With the absence of rain and dry weather conditions prevailing across the State, parts of Keralam have started experiencing summer-like conditions, with temperatures soaring above normal levels. Kottayam recorded a temperature 4.4°C above normal on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat alert warning of hot and humid conditions at isolated places in Keralam until September 8.

Keralam may witness early summer-like conditions this year as rain deficit set to widen further

According to an alert issued by the IMD, the maximum temperature is likely to be 3-4°C above normal at isolated places in Keralam during this period. As per the temperatures recorded at various stations in Keralam on Sunday, Kottayam and Punalur in Kollam remained the hottest places, with temperatures recording 35°C and 35.2°C on the day, respectively, 4.4°C and 3.7°C above normal, respectively.

The southwest monsoon rainfall is around 24% deficient in the State as of September 6, and the monthly forecast issued by the IMD also warns of below-normal rainfall across the State during September. This is expected to exacerbate the summer-like conditions in the State, with less cloud cover coupled with the absence of rain and increased humidity in the atmosphere.