Dry, cloudless skies raise the temperature above normal at many places in Kerala

Kottayam recorded a temperature of 4.4°C above normal for two consecutive days on Sunday and Monday. Image for representation. | Photo credit: File photo by KK Mustafah

With the absence of rain and dry weather conditions prevailing across the state, parts of Kerala have started experiencing summer-like conditions with temperatures rising above normal levels. Kottayam recorded a temperature of 4.4°C above normal for two consecutive days on Sunday and Monday.

Besides, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat alert for hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam till Wednesday (September 9). According to the weather alert issued by the IMD, the maximum temperature at isolated places in Kerala is likely to be 3-4°C above normal during this period.

According to the temperature recorded at various stations in Kerala, Kottayam and Punalur in Kollam remained the hottest places on Monday, with Kottayam recording 35.2°C and Punalur recording 36.2°C, 4.4°C and 4.3°C above normal, respectively. Talking to The Hindu, Neetha K. Gopal, Director, IMD, Thiruvananthapuram, said that the cloudless sky along with the absence of rain led to a sudden rise in the day temperature.

However, relief is likely to come this weekend as a low pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, which will bring isolated heavy showers over the state for a few days from Thursday, Ms Gopal said. Although light showers are expected by the end of the week, the temperature is likely to rise further if the Bay of Bengal remains calm after the low pressure system. Meanwhile, conditions are beginning to be favorable for the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from Northwest India.

Already, the southwest monsoon rainfall in the state is about 25% deficit as on September 7 and the monthly forecast issued by the IMD also warns of sub-normal rainfall across the state during September. This is expected to worsen summer conditions in the state with less cloud cover coupled with absence of rain and increased humidity in Keralam’s atmosphere.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 21:10 IST