Kerala is experiencing unusual weather patterns this year. While the hill station of Munnar is freezing at zero degrees Celsius, the midlands and coastal areas are enduring intense heat.
The night temperature is also higher than usual, hovering about 1°C above the normal level.
Meteorologists have warned that this soaring daytime heat signals a harsh summer ahead. The rising temperatures are making it difficult for those working outdoors, and the labour department has taken action. An order has been issued to reschedule working hours to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Under the new guidelines, labourers working outdoors will rest from noon to 3 pm. The working hours are now adjusted from 7 am to 7 pm. For those working in shifts, the first shift will end at noon, while the second shift will begin at 3 pm. This change aims to protect workers from the extreme heat.
Also read: Extreme weather events push food inflation in India: Govt report
India Meteorological Department Kerala region director Neetha K Gopal explained that temperatures have been above normal since the latter half of December 2024.
The winter season has had little impact on the state, with 2024 being recorded as the warmest year for Kerala. She said the increasing temperatures are not limited to Kerala but are being observed across India. The World Meteorological Organisation and other agencies predict that above-normal temperatures will continue over the Indian subcontinent.
Experts point to several contributing factors. S Abhilash, director of the Cusat Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, stated that the high-pressure circulation over central India, rapid urbanisation, and the warming of the Indian Ocean are all contributing to the heat.
He explained that urban heat islands, created by the large amounts of concrete and buildings, absorb and retain heat. Additionally, the rising sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean has worsened the atmospheric conditions.
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