Kerala Gripped by Sweltering Heatwave as Temperatures Soar Beyond 40 Degrees Celsius

Kerala is currently grappling with an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius in Palakkad district, marking the highest recorded temperature in the state this year. This is the first instance since 2019 that March has witnessed such scorching temperatures, signaling potential further escalation if the heat persists. The water scarcity situation is also expected to exacerbate as a result.

Traditionally, March temperatures in Kerala range between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. However, this year, Palakkad and Kollam districts have already experienced temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius by March 29th. The heightened activity of the El Nino phenomenon compared to the previous year has been attributed to the extreme heat.

Notably, the highest temperature recorded in Kerala was 41.9 degrees Celsius in Palakkad in 2016, whereas this year, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in Akola, Maharashtra, at 41 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, the state has experienced a significant rainfall deficit, with a staggering 69% less rainfall observed in March compared to historical averages. Several districts, including Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Wayanad, received no rainfall at all, exacerbating concerns over water scarcity. Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam fared slightly better in terms of rainfall, while the remaining eight districts received below-average precipitation levels.

As Kerala grapples with the dual challenges of extreme heat and reduced rainfall, there is a pressing need for effective water management strategies and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave on both human populations and ecosystems