Heatwave grips Kerala as temperatures near 40°C; relief rain expected from Monday

Thiruvananthapuram: Severe heat is set to continue across Kerala on Sunday, according to the Meteorological Department. However, relief is expected from Monday, with rain forecast in several parts of the state.

A yellow alert has been issued for heavy rainfall on the 29th in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Light summer showers have brought a slight dip in temperatures in some areas, but conditions remain intensely hot in Palakkad and Punalur. Both locations recorded temperatures of 39.8°C. This is five degrees above normal in Punalur and 3.5 degrees above average in Palakkad.

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In Kottayam, the temperature rose to 38.3°C, which is 4.4 degrees above the seasonal average. Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode experienced only a marginal decrease in temperature.

On Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in Palakkad and 39°C in Kollam. Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod are likely to see highs of around 38°C.

The anti-cyclonic circulation that contributed to the intense heat over Kerala has now shifted towards Maharashtra and is no longer affecting the state.