Kerala faces extreme heat as temperatures soar above 36°C amid weak monsoon

Kerala is experiencing unusual heat as temperatures climb well above seasonal norms. Punalur in Kollam district recorded a maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius on Monday, according to Indian Meteorological Department data, marking a departure of 4.3 degrees above the normal range for the station.

The rise in temperatures is attributed to weak monsoon conditions across the state, leaving much of Kerala exposed to prolonged dry and hot weather. The heat wave-like conditions have raised concerns over water availability and agricultural impact during a season typically associated with rainfall.