After a brief spell of unseasonal chill that swept across Kerala, the state experienced a noticeable rise in temperatures on Tuesday. The maximum temperatures climbed to 32-34 degrees Celsius, while minimums settled around 24-25 degrees Celsius, marking a shift from the cooler conditions of the past few days.
IMD Issues Weather Warning for Multiple Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for seven districts on Wednesday. The warning covers Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Malappuram, Palakkad, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki. The forecast indicates that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are very likely at one or two places in Kerala until Saturday.
Tuesday brought clearer skies as the sun emerged, dispersing the fog that had lingered due to the influence of Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone's remnant, now a depression over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area by Wednesday. Consequently, the total suspension of fishing operations over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal will remain in effect until Wednesday.
Recap of the Recent Temperature Plunge
Cyclone Ditwah had previously induced a sharp drop in temperatures across Kerala, creating a winter-like feel despite the absence of rain. During its peak influence, maximum temperatures hovered around 28°C, with minimums dipping to 21-23°C, representing a fall of 2-4°C from the norm.
The impact was particularly stark on November 29-30 as the system moved towards the southeast coast. Punalur recorded the most dramatic drop, with maximum temperatures falling by 8.8°C. Other significant falls were noted in several districts:
- Thiruvananthapuram city: 5.2°C fall in maximum temperature.
- Idukki, Palakkad, Kollam, and Alappuzha districts: Falls between 5°C and 8°C.
- Early morning hours saw temperatures drop by up to 4°C.
According to IMD's 24-hour data recorded on Tuesday morning, minimum temperatures rose above normal in Kollam, Kannur, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts. Vellanikkara recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.9°C.
Rainfall Deficit and December Forecast
Despite the recent weather activity, November concluded with a significant 42% deficiency in rainfall for the state. Pathanamthitta district received the highest rainfall for the month, while Kannur recorded the least.
Looking ahead, the IMD's monthly forecast for December predicts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures for Kerala. This aligns with the trend of the state recording warmer temperatures in December over the last few years.
