Rising Temperatures in Kerala: A Precursor to 2025’s Heat Crisis?

Kerala’s climate, shaped by geography, faces challenges from climate change, with temperatures in February hinting at a hotter 2025. Following the hottest year recorded in 2024, the state has experienced slight increases in temperature, prompting alerts. The IMD highlights the need for long-term planning to safeguard agriculture and biodiversity from rising heat and climate extremes.

Kerala’s climate is distinctly shaped by its geography, leading to seasons that are interspersed rather than sharply defined. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the state has increasingly faced climate-related challenges. Following the record-setting heat of 2024, preliminary indications suggest that 2025 may be even hotter. According to Neetha K. Gopal, Head of the IMD Kerala, current temperature readings indicate a slight increase from average norms, yet significant deviations are a hallmark of ongoing climate change impacts.

The normal temperature for Kerala is established by averaging the past 30 years. Deviations from this norm signal the effects of climate change. For instance, on February 2, Thiruvananthapuram recorded a maximum temperature of 35°C, 2°C above average. With a lack of anticipated rain or cloud cover, hotter conditions can be expected in the immediate future, prompting the IMD to issue alerts.

Climate extremes pose threats not only to human populations but also to agricultural and livestock sectors. Long-term strategies are essential to safeguard agriculture and biodiversity against rising temperatures. Government agencies are actively preparing through regular weather updates from the IMD, allowing relevant departments to implement precautionary measures based on current climatic forecasts.

The impacts of rising temperatures could severely affect the typical heat experienced in Kerala. As temperatures rise, particularly when summer commences in March, conditions can become hazardous for health and the economy. Neetha K. Gopal notes that a rise to 40°C could lead to detrimental conditions for humans, animals, crops, and overall economic stability in the state.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has identified 2024 as the warmest year on record, with the preceding decade also witnessing unprecedented high temperatures. Climate projections indicate that every degree of global warming corresponds with a 7% increase in extreme daily rainfall. Given Kerala’s vulnerability, the state requires concrete measures to mitigate the forecasted severe climatic events ahead.

The unique geographical positioning of Kerala gives rise to distinct climate characteristics that differ from the broader Indian subcontinent. The proximity to the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats contributes to its diverse climatic patterns, resulting in intermingled seasonal transitions. Furthermore, the escalating consequences of climate change have caused significant weather-related challenges for Kerala, including increased temperatures and erratic rainfall, necessitating urgent action and preparedness planning.

In conclusion, rising temperatures recorded in Kerala during February suggest a troubling trend towards an increasingly hot 2025, following the hottest year on record in 2024. The impacts of climate change remain evident, with significant deviations from normal temperature patterns posing risks to health, agriculture, and biodiversity. Effective long-term planning by state authorities is imperative to navigate the challenges posed by climate extremes, ensuring readiness for the predicted climatic uncertainties ahead.

Original Source: www.onmanorama.com