Unprecedented Heatwave Sweeps Kerala During Onam Celebrations, Raises Concerns

Unusual and intense heat has taken hold of Kerala during the Onam celebrations. The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning due to the surge in temperatures, as the state deviates from its typical monsoon weather. The forecast indicates an absence of rainfall in the upcoming days, even during the usually wet period.

Specifically, the districts of Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode are projected to experience temperatures three to five degrees Celsius higher than the historical average. This heat trend was also observed in 2014 and 2015.

Certain areas like Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kochi, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Kannur have recently encountered some of their highest recorded temperatures. Moreover, the monsoon rainfall has decreased by approximately 47 per cent as of August 24th, with Idukki district facing the most significant decline of 67 per cent below its average rainfall.

Although rain is anticipated to return about two weeks after the Onam festivities, making long-term weather predictions beyond this period remains uncertain.