Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Kerala continues to reel from intense heat both during the day and at night, with early-morning temperatures hovering around 27-28°C and little relief after sunset.
The unusual and persistent heat is being attributed to an anticyclone effect, weather experts said.
An anti-cyclone (high-pressure system) refers to a system of winds circulating in the opposite direction of a cyclone, typically occurring at an altitude of 3.5 to 5 km above sea level. The phenomenon prevents warm air near the surface from rising and inhibits the formation of rain-bearing clouds, thereby trapping heat in the atmosphere.
At present, an anti-cyclonic system is positioned over north Karnataka and Maharashtra, which is influencing weather patterns in Kerala and causing round-the-clock heat. While the state has not yet reached the extreme heatwave conditions seen in 2024, the current weather is being described as similarly uncomfortable.
Experts noted that such anti-cyclones have previously contributed to prolonged heatwave conditions in northern Indian states.
Among the highest temperatures recorded recently were Palakkad at 40.1°C (marking six days above 40°C this summer), Punalur at 38°C, and Kozhikode at 37.3°C, recorded on Saturday.
Meteorologists said the anti-cyclone is also responsible for the delay in Kerala's usual summer rains. However, the system is expected to weaken by Sunday, potentially bringing relief.
"Summer rains are likely to begin in Kerala from April 20, with chances of thundershowers continuing till April 24. This may help bring down temperatures slightly," said Neetha K Gopal, head of the Meteorological Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.