Despite summer being months away officially, Kerala is already experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring across the state. The lingering effects of the El Niño phenomenon — which ended July 2024 — continue to impact weather patterns, particularly in the northern districts, raising concerns about climate trends and their consequences.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the rising temperatures to the sun’s northward movement (Uttarayan), when it is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer.
However, one exception remains: Munnar, the well-known hill town in Idukki district, has been experiencing colder weather over the past two weeks. Famous for its scenic tea plantations and cool climate, Munnar stands in stark contrast to the rest of the state, recording temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius.
With February just beginning, temperatures across Kerala have already spiked, with Kannur and Kottayam recording the highest readings. The rising heat is affecting agricultural activities, water resources, energy distribution and tourism.
On February 1, 2025, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued an advisory urging outdoor workers to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Farmers have been advised to schedule work during early mornings or late evenings to minimise exposure to the intense midday sun.
Heatwave-like conditions, typically expected in March and April, have arrived earlier this year. During the last week of January, daytime temperatures reached 36.6°C in Kannur and 36.5°C in Kottayam.
KSDMA officials emphasised the importance of staying hydrated and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. The IMD has warned that temperatures will continue to rise, highlighting a concerning shift in Kerala’s climate patterns.
January has already seen unusually high temperatures. The IMD reported that 2024 recorded Kerala’s highest-ever January temperatures, surpassing 2023. Forecasts suggest that 2025 may set new records.
“On January 27, 2024, Kannur Airport recorded an extreme temperature of 36.6°C, making it the hottest location in the country for that day, while Kottayam came in a close second at 36.5°C,” stated an IMD release.
Historically, Kerala’s peak temperatures were confined to March and April, but in both 2023 and 2024, the heat set in as early as January — a trend that seems to be repeating this year. While some southern districts may see brief showers next week, the IMD warned that they are unlikely to provide significant relief. Higher temperatures are expected to persist across all districts.
Meanwhile, the high-altitude Munnar has been recording low temperatures, possibly due to low pressures. Reports suggest further drops are likely, attracting tourists seeking respite from the scorching heat elsewhere in Kerala. Munnar’s Chenduvarai and Letchmi Estate regions recorded zero degrees Celsius on February 1, while nearby areas such as Devikulam, Nallathanni, and Sevanmala reported temperatures of one degree Celsius.
On January 31, the state health department issued an advisory regarding extreme heat conditions, advising people to avoid direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm. Employers have been urged to adjust working hours accordingly. Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions, have been advised to take extra precautions.
IMD data shows that daytime temperatures in Kerala have been 1.5°C to 3°C above normal over the past week. The combination of intense sunlight and high humidity has led to excessive sweating across the state.
“While temperatures remain high, this signals an exceptionally hot summer ahead,” said IMD senior scientist VK Mini. Kerala's rising temperatures could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s environment, agriculture and livelihoods.
The extreme heat is also impacting agriculture, which has traditionally thrived due to Kerala’s favourable climate. Changing temperature patterns are disrupting cropping cycles, particularly the crucial flowering and fertilisation stages. Paddy crops, which typically take 120 days to mature, now require around 160 days, increasing the risk of yield losses. Similarly, the flowering season for vegetables has been thrown into disarray, leading to reduced harvests.
Farmers are struggling to adapt to unpredictable weather patterns, as heatwaves and rainfall become increasingly difficult to forecast. These erratic conditions compound existing challenges such as fluctuating market prices and changing soil conditions, making agriculture even more precarious.
Urban areas are also feeling the impact. Rising temperatures are intensifying the urban heat island effect, where cities experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activity and dense infrastructure. This has led to an increase in heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke and dehydration.
Additionally, worsening air quality—exacerbated by high temperatures and traffic emissions—has led to a rise in respiratory illnesses, according to climate scientist Gopakumar Cholayil from Kerala Agricultural University.