THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Summer showers continue to be deficient, but maximum temperatures are beginning to show a gradual decline. Even though the maximum temperature in Palakkad has shown no signs of temperance, it has dropped in central and southern parts, especially Thiruvananthpauram and Punalur that had recorded intense heat this summer.
However, minimum temperatures across the state showed a perceptible rise.
Peak temperature in the capital has come down to 35ºC from 38ºC. Punalur, which recorded 40ºC in the first week of April, has calmed down to 37ºC. However, severe heat conditions have held on in coastal areas like Kannur and Alappuzha.
Palakkad, Kannur, and Alappuzha, incidentally, are the three most rain-deficient districts this summer. While Palakkad and Kannur have recorded an over 90 percent deficiency, Alappuzha has a 50 per cent deficiency. Even though Thrissur, normally exhibits a climate similar to that of neighbouring Palakkad, has received good showers this summer. Kottayam and Kozhikode are the other districts with normal rainfall.
“Coastal areas like Thiruvananthaupram and Kannur will be the worst hit if temperatures continue to soar in the coming days before the onset of monsoon,” said Dr Jeevan Das, a former IMD official. “There is a chance that water level will rise gradually and inundate coastal areas, which are the most densely populated areas of our state,” he added.
