Summer respite from May 3, says Meteorological Department

Thiruvananthapuram: Intense heat wave conditions prevailed in the North and Northeastern parts of the state on Friday. There was no respite from heat especially in various parts of Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur.

Indian Meteorological Department, which had predicted fairly widespread rainfall from May 1, has revised its forecast saying widespread rainfall will hit the state only from May 3. Summer showers across the state continue to be deficient by nearly 60 percent. Kasargod, Kannur, Malappuram and Palakkad are the worst affected.

Rain occurred at one or two places in the state on Friday. Dry weather prevailed over Lakshadweep. The chief amounts of rainfall are: Punalur 3 cm, Ernakulam south railway and Mavelikkara 2 cm each and Konni 1 cm. Meteorological Department officials said that there was no marked change in maximum temperature over the state during the past 24 hours.

However, the temperatures were “markedly above normal” in Palakkad and Kozhikode districts, “appreciably above normal” in Kannur and Ernakulam districts, “above normal” in Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kottayam, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts and “normal” in the remaining districts. Palakkad recorded the highest maximum temperature of 41.5 degree Celsius.
Maximum temperatures (degree Celsius)

Palakkad – 41.5
Kozhikode – 38.5
Kannur – 38.5
Kottayam – 36
Kochi (Nedumbaserry) – 35.8
Alappuzha – 34.5
Punalur – 36.6