IMD issues heat alert for Kerala, predicts 2-3°C rise
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat alert for Kerala, predicting a 2-3 degree Celsius rise in maximum temperatures in some areas. The weather is likely to remain dry over the next few days. Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode have already observed a sharp two-degree rise in maximum temperatures. Other districts including Kottayam and Palakkad are also reeling under above-normal heat.
Temperature trends
Minimum temperatures remain high despite slight dip
Despite a sharp fall in Palakkad, minimum temperatures remained above normal in several districts including Ernakulam, Kannur, Malappuram, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur. The lowest minimum temperature was recorded in Punalur in Kollam at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD's report noted that "light to moderate easterlies to northeasterlies prevail over Kerala in the lower tropospheric levels."
Rising figures
Sunday's temperature rise adds to heat alert
On Sunday, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode recorded a two-degree rise in maximum temperatures according to the 24-hour temperatures recorded. Vellanikara and Kottayam also saw an increase of 1.9 and 1.7 degrees respectively from their normal levels. Other areas like Palakkad and Punalur witnessed a one-degree rise above normal temperatures, further contributing to the IMD's heat alert for Kerala.