Kerala is experiencing an unexpected surge in temperatures, months before summer officially begins. With the lingering effects of El Niño and the Uttarayan shift intensifying the heat, several districts are already witnessing scorching conditions, raising concerns about climate patterns and their impact on daily life.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has linked this rise in temperature to the sun’s northward movement, which brings it directly over the Tropic of Cancer. While most of Kerala struggles with unseasonal heat, Munnar the picturesque hill town in Idukki stands apart, recording freezing temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius.
Heatwave-Like Conditions Arrive Early
January and February, usually mild months, have seen temperatures climb to alarming levels. Kannur and Kottayam have emerged as the hottest regions, recording highs of 36.6°C and 36.5°C, respectively. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued advisories urging outdoor workers to take precautions, while farmers have been advised to schedule work in the early morning or late evening to avoid the peak afternoon heat.
IMD data suggests Kerala’s daytime temperatures have been 1.5°C to 3°C above normal over the past week. The trend, observed since 2023, signals an exceptionally hot summer ahead. Even last year, Kerala experienced its highest-ever January temperatures, and 2025 is on track to break records again.
While the rest of Kerala sweats under the sun, Munnar remains refreshingly cold, attracting tourists looking for relief. Regions like Chenduvarai and Letchmi Estate have recorded temperatures of zero degrees Celsius, while nearby areas like Devikulam and Nallathanni hover around one degree Celsius. Experts suggest that localized low-pressure systems may be responsible for this temperature drop.
Rising Temperatures Disrupting Agriculture & Urban Life
The extreme heat is already taking a toll on agriculture. Farmers are struggling as temperature fluctuations disrupt flowering and fertilization cycles, delaying paddy maturation from 120 to 160 days and leading to reduced vegetable yields. These unpredictable weather patterns add to existing challenges such as fluctuating market prices and soil degradation.
In urban areas, the heat is intensifying the “urban heat island effect,” causing cities to feel even hotter than surrounding rural regions. This has led to an increase in heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration. Additionally, worsening air quality exacerbated by traffic emissions and high temperatures is leading to a rise in respiratory issues, according to climate scientist Gopakumar Cholayil from Kerala Agricultural University.
On January 31, the state health department issued an advisory, urging people to avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Employers have been advised to adjust working hours, while vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and pregnant women have been asked to take extra precautions.
Although brief showers are expected in some southern districts next week, IMD officials warn that they will provide little relief. As Kerala braces for what could be its hottest summer yet, Munnar remains a rare pocket of cold in an otherwise sweltering state.