Tue Feb 03 07:08:25 UTC 2026: ### Kerala Faces Continued Warming Trend, Report Reveals

The Story:

A report released by the Institute for Climate Change Studies in Kerala reveals that 2025 was the state’s 13th warmest year on record, with an annual mean land surface air temperature of 25.82°C, 0.22°C above the Long Period Average (LPA). While cooler than the record-breaking heat of 2024, the report highlights a persistent warming trend, with eight of the ten warmest years occurring between 2016 and 2025. Rainfall patterns were also concerning, with both monsoon seasons experiencing deficits despite overall rainfall being slightly above average. Coastal waters remained persistently warm, indicating sustained ocean warming.

Key Points:

  • 2025 was Kerala’s 13th warmest year on record, with an annual mean temperature of 25.82°C.
  • The annual mean temperature was 0.22°C above the Long Period Average (LPA, 1991–2020).
  • The winter of 2025 was notably warmer than average, with a temperature anomaly of +0.63°C.
  • Eight of the ten warmest years on record have occurred during the recent decade (2016–2025).
  • Kerala’s annual mean temperature has risen at a rate of about 1.15°C per 100 years since 1901.
  • Maximum temperatures have been rising faster than minimum temperatures since the late 1980s.
  • Southwest monsoon rainfall was 13% below normal, while the northeast monsoon saw a shortfall of 21%.
  • The annual mean sea surface temperature was 0.47°C above normal in the north and 0.42°C in the south.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kerala is experiencing a long-term warming trend, with recent years showing accelerated temperature increases.
  • Changes in rainfall patterns, particularly monsoon deficits, pose a challenge to agriculture and water resources.
  • Warming coastal waters could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and the fishing industry.
  • The findings underscore the need for proactive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in Kerala.
  • Continued monitoring and research are crucial to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change in the region.

Impact Analysis:

The persistent warming trend in Kerala, as evidenced by this report, has significant long-term implications:

  • Agriculture: Declining rainfall and increasing temperatures could adversely affect crop yields, threatening food security and the livelihoods of farmers.
  • Water Resources: Monsoon deficits could lead to water scarcity, impacting drinking water supplies and irrigation.
  • Coastal Ecosystems: Warmer coastal waters could damage coral reefs, disrupt marine ecosystems, and affect the fishing industry.
  • Public Health: Rising temperatures could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
  • Disaster Risk: Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and droughts, may become more frequent and intense, increasing disaster risk. The necessity for climate action by the state government is heightened, specifically to curb the potential socio-economic damage.

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