Kerala Faces Heatwave Alert on Crucial Polling Day
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather warning for Kerala, predicting a sharp increase in temperatures just as the state heads to the polls. Voters can expect hot and humid conditions, with maximum temperatures likely to rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius on Thursday. This surge could impact turnout and comfort during the electoral process.
District-Wise Temperature Forecast for Polling Day
According to IMD reports, isolated areas in Palakkad are set to experience the highest temperatures, reaching around 38°C. Other districts are not far behind, with Kollam, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta expected to hover near 37°C. Major urban centers like Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur are forecasted to see temperatures around 36°C. The IMD emphasizes that hot and humid weather will prevail across these districts, excluding hilly regions where conditions may be slightly milder.
Recent Temperature Trends and Weather Patterns
Dry weather has already been dominating Kerala, with high temperatures recorded statewide on Wednesday. Thiruvananthapuram city witnessed a notable 3.2°C rise above normal, jumping from 33.9°C to 37.1°C. Kottayam recorded a 2.3°C increase, reaching 36.5°C, while Palakkad topped the charts at 38.4°C, marking a 1.5°C rise. Other locations such as Cial Kochi and Punalur saw increases of 1.7°C, with Vellanikkara at 36.3°C, and Kannur airport and Thiruvananthapuram airport recording 35.9°C and 35°C, respectively.
Thunderstorm and Cyclonic Activity Forecast
In addition to the heat, the IMD warns of potential thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at one or two places over Kerala until Saturday. This weather activity is linked to a north-south trough extending from a cyclonic circulation over Chhattisgarh to the Gulf of Mannar, passing through Telangana, Rayalaseema, and interior Tamil Nadu at 0.9km above mean sea level. The trough has merged with a wind discontinuity from Gangetic West Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar. Meanwhile, the upper air cyclonic circulation over Odisha and its neighbourhood has become less marked, indicating shifting atmospheric conditions.
Impact on Polling Day: The combination of rising temperatures and possible thunderstorms could create challenging conditions for voters and election officials. Authorities are advised to take precautions to ensure safety and comfort during the polling process.
