Thu Dec 05 15:33:59 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Sees Sharp Rise in Extreme Weather Events Due to Climate Change
**Thiruvananthapuram, December 5, 2024** – Kerala is experiencing a dramatic increase in irregular weather patterns, with more frequent and intense floods and heatwaves, according to data released by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Analysis of 100 years of temperature records reveals a 1.7°C rise in daily maximum temperatures and a 1.1°C increase in the annual mean temperature. While the average total rainfall hasn’t significantly increased, the distribution is skewed, with a notable rise in heavy rainfall days.
Southern districts like Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Kollam have seen a significant increase in annual rainfall (1951-2022), while other districts show a decline. The shift is most pronounced recently, particularly in August, which saw a record 38 extreme rainfall days in 2019-2023 (rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours). This contrasts sharply with July’s six extreme rainfall days over the same period.
April 2024 marked another unprecedented event: Kerala experienced six heatwave days for the first time. A senior ministry official stated that Kerala’s rising temperatures are in line with global trends and predicted more heavy rainfall in specific regions in the future. The data highlights the increasingly visible impact of climate change on the state.
First Piper 