Kerala braces for 10 days of intense heat as rainfall drops by 18%
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is entering one of the hottest phases of the summer, with no heavy rainfall expected over the next 10 days. While temperatures are rising steadily across the state, Neetha K. Gopal, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said there is no immediate threat of a heatwave.
The heat is already intensifying across districts, with Palakkad recording the season’s highest temperature of 40.1°C on Friday. Although rain brought a brief dip to 37.5°C on Saturday, the mercury climbed again to 39.2°C on Sunday. In several parts of the state, temperatures are currently running up to 2.5°C above normal levels.
Kerala weather update: Hotter days ahead
According to IMD forecasts for April 12 to 14, maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 38°C in Kollam, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kasaragod, while Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kannur may see around 37°C. Pathanamthitta is expected to record slightly lower highs of about 36°C.
Hot and humid conditions are likely to persist across most districts, particularly in non-hilly regions.
Summer rainfall falls short by 18%
The rising heat is being compounded by a shortfall in summer rainfall. Kerala has received 58.4 mm of rain against the expected 71.2 mm between March 1 and April 12, marking an 18% deficit.
Only a few districts, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kozhikode and Pathanamthitta, have recorded above-normal rainfall during this period, according to the Palakkad State Meteorological Observatory.
While heavy rain is unlikely in the coming days, the IMD has indicated the possibility of scattered light to moderate showers.
Most districts may receive light to medium rainfall on April 13, followed by lighter showers across southern and central Kerala on April 14, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam and Idukki.
By April 15, light rain activity could extend to northern districts such as Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.
However, these spells are expected to be brief and localised, offering little relief from the prevailing heat.