Weather Update: Rain and Thundershowers Expected in Ernakulam, Heat Wave Alert in Palakkad and Kollam

The Central Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating the likelihood of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at isolated locations in Ernakulam over the next three hours. Additionally, strong winds with speeds of up to 40 kmph are expected in the region. Meanwhile, Palakkad and Kollam are at risk of experiencing a heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. Palakkad has already witnessed temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for four consecutive days, while other areas such as Punalur, Kottayam, and Kozhikode also recorded high temperatures yesterday.

The prevailing weather conditions in Kerala are attributed to the El Nino phenomenon, which has resurfaced after eight years. The abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean associated with El Nino has led to suppressed monsoon rainfall and intensified heat in the region. The Central Meteorological Department has cautioned that the hot weather conditions are expected to persist until Thursday, with the impact of El Nino influencing the course and distribution of heat, wind, and rainfall across Kerala.