THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state is scorched in January, which is supposed to be cold. Climate experts say that extreme heat during the daytime in winter is an unusual situation. Day temperature is 32-36 degrees Celsius including in hilly areas. The highest temperature was 33 degrees in January last year. It has reached 36 this year. The minimum temperature is 23-25 ​​degree during night. It is estimated that the low temperature that should be received in winter has not yet been recorded.

Temperature has been rising rapidly after the rains received in the first weeks of January. If there is no rain for at least the next month, the water shortage will worsen. Water levels in the reservoirs and wells have started falling in many places due to the heat.

El Niño the villain

The increase in temperature is due to the activation of the El Nino phenomenon, which unusually warms the sea surface in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, along with climate change. An increase in humidity in the atmosphere also results in more heat.

High temperatures at two locations

Thiruvananthapuram (36.2 degrees) and Punalur (36.8) are among the hottest places in the country this month. Punalur experienced the highest heat in the country consecutively from 14th to 22nd.

Yesterday's temperature

(in degrees Celsius)

Thiruvananthapuram City............. 35.1

Punalur..........................................35.5

Alappuzha.....................................34.1

Kottayam.......................................34.8

Kochi............................................34.6

Vellanikkara .................................33.6

Palakkad.......................................32.7

Karipur..........................................34.2

Kozhikode.....................................34.8

Kannur..........................................35.6

"There is no chance of rain in the coming days. The temperature is rising.

-Rajeevan Erikulam,

Meteorologist,

Kerala Disaster Management Authority