Keralam: Heat advisory issued as unusual September heat grips state
After the first week of September, Keralam has received only 5 mm of rainfall, just 7 per cent of the rainfall normally expected during this period
Keralam is witnessing an unusual weather pattern, with a weakening southwest monsoon coinciding with temperatures climbing well above normal across several parts of the state, with the mercury crossing 36 degrees Celsius at Punalur.
After the first week of September, Keralam has received only 5 mm of rainfall, just 7 per cent of the rainfall normally expected during this period. While Kasaragod and Kannur recorded relatively more rain, most districts received little significant rainfall.
Noticeable rise in daytime temperatures
The lack of rain has been accompanied by a noticeable rise in daytime temperatures. Data from weather stations across the state show temperatures 2 degrees Celsius to 4.4 degrees Celsius above normal at several locations.
Kottayam recorded the largest departure from normal, with a temperature of 35.2 degrees Celsius, 4.4 degrees Celsius above the normal 30.8 degrees Celsius. Punalur recorded the highest temperature among the stations listed, at 36.2 degrees Celsius, which was 4.3 degrees Celsius above its normal temperature.
Palakkad recorded 34 degrees Celsius, nearly 4 degrees Celsius above normal. At Kochi, the temperature touched 34.1 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees Celsius above normal. Thiruvananthapuram city recorded 33.8 degrees Celsius, 2.8 degrees Celsius above normal, while Vellanikkara also recorded 33.8 degrees Celsius, 3.7 degrees Celsius above normal.
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Kannur airport recorded 33.7 degrees Celsius, while Kozhikode recorded 33 degrees Celsius, 2.3 degrees Celsius above normal. Kannur recorded 32.7 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees Celsius above normal. Karipur airport recorded 32.4 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees Celsius above normal.
At Thiruvananthapuram airport, the temperature was 32.3 degrees Celsius, 2 degrees Celsius above normal. The lowest temperature among the stations listed was recorded at the Naval station in Kochi, at 31.4 degrees Celsius, although this too was 1.3 degrees Celsius above normal.
Among the Lakshadweep stations, Amini recorded the highest maximum of 33.4 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees above normal. Minicoy recorded 33 degrees Celsius, while Agathi recorded 31.6 degrees Celsius.
Weakened monsoon
The temperature rise comes as the monsoon has weakened considerably. The resulting combination of poor rainfall and above-normal temperatures is creating conditions more typical of a dry spell than the early September weather usually expected in Kerala.
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“High temperatures are likely to continue for another two to three days. Over the following two to three days, from September 10 onwards, there is a possibility of some rain, depending on the influence of the cyclonic circulation expected to form over the Bay of Bengal. The possibility of rain is higher in the central and southern districts," said Rajeevan Erikkulam, Meteorologist.
IMD issues precautions
The India Meteorological Department has also warned of temperatures 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal in Keralam from September 7 to 9. The State Disaster Management Authority has issued precautions, advising people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm, and to remain adequately hydrated.
The authorities have also warned that the heat could increase the risk of heatstroke, sunstroke, and dehydration, apart from raising the possibility of fires in markets, buildings, and waste-disposal facilities. The risk of forest fires could also increase in areas adjoining forest regions.
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At the same time, the weather pattern is not entirely dry. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall in some districts over the coming days and has issued Yellow Alerts for Alappuzha and Ernakulam on September 10, and Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam on September 11.
The forecast points to a contrasting weather picture for Keralam with a weakening monsoon and rainfall deficit on one hand, and persistent above-normal heat on the other, with isolated spells of heavy rain still possible in parts of the state.