Recent temperature spikes in Kerala signal a worrying trend as experts predict that 2025 may be hotter than ever, building on 2024’s record heat. Neetha K. Gopal of the IMD highlights this shift as part of climate change’s broader impact, necessitating urgent planning to mitigate risks to agriculture and the local economy.
Kerala’s climate poses unique challenges compared to the rest of India, characterized by a blend of seasonal transitions. The state’s geography, bordered by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, has made it particularly vulnerable to climate change, resulting in extreme weather events. With 2024 marked as the hottest year on record, current trends suggest that 2025 could surpass this, raising concerns among experts.
Neetha K. Gopal, Head of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Kerala, indicated that while there is a minor increase in average temperatures, February is typically a transition month. The highest recorded temperature in Thiruvananthapuram was 35 degrees Celsius on February 2, which is 2 degrees above the usual average. With a forecast of clear conditions ahead, hotter days are anticipated.
Gopal emphasized that these temperature anomalies are indicative of climate change’s effects, which severely impact agriculture and livestock. Therefore, long-term strategic planning is essential for preserving agriculture and biodiversity against rising temperatures and changing climatic conditions. Various government bodies are collaborating to implement necessary protective measures.
The World Meteorological Organization has validated that 2024 was the warmest recorded year globally, alongside a trend of increasing temperatures in the last decade. Each degree of global warming is likely to lead to a 7 percent surge in extreme daily rainfall, compelling Kerala to adopt robust strategies in anticipation of dire climate variability.
Kerala’s geographic location and climate diversities set it apart from the broader Indian weather patterns. The region experiences an overlapping of seasons, with rising temperatures during transition months like February. The increased frequency of heat waves and extreme weather events has placed significant stress on the state’s agriculture and livestock industries. As global temperatures continue to rise, local experts are urging immediate and effective measures to mitigate these impacts.
The rising mercury levels in Kerala’s February indicate troubling climatic trends, with experts predicting 2025 to potentially be the hottest year on record for the state. This alarming rise in temperatures, attributed to climate change, necessitates immediate action to protect agriculture and biodiversity. Ongoing cooperation between various government departments and strategic planning based on weather forecasts are crucial to safeguard against future climate extremities.
Original Source: www.onmanorama.com
