The sun beats down relentlessly across Kerala, turning what should be a rain-soaked September into something closer to a midsummer scorcher. With the monsoon playing hide-and-seek, temperatures have surged dramatically—reaching a startling 4.4°C above normal in places like Kottayam.

Key facts

  • Kottayam recorded 35°C, 4.4°C above normal on Sunday
  • Punalur hit 35.2°C, 3.7°C above normal
  • IMD heat alert active until September 8
  • Monsoon rainfall 24% deficient as of September 6

A State Overheated

Palakkad residents shielded their eyes Monday, stepping quickly under a sun that felt out of place. The absence of rain has left the land dry and the air heavy, with humidity compounding the discomfort. It’s not just a fluke—the India Meteorological Department points to a broader pattern of below-normal rainfall expected throughout September.

Behind the Numbers

Sunday’s readings told a stark story. Beyond Kottayam’s peak, Punalur simmered at 35.2°C. The IMD’s alert warns that isolated parts of the state could see temperatures riding 3-4°C above typical levels for this time of year. With cloud cover thin and rainfall scarce, there’s little relief in sight.

What Comes Next?

Forecasters see the heat and humidity lingering, especially until September 8. The monsoon deficit—now at 24%—only deepens concerns. Without significant cloud cover or rain, these summer-like conditions could stretch further into the month, challenging both comfort and agriculture across Kerala.