Palakkad: An unprecedented rise in sea surface temperature even as hot weather and heat wave conditions that are prevailing over the landmass of Kerala is raising the eyebrows of meteorological experts in the south-western state.

The experts point out that though usually the rise in ocean temperature would lead to the formation of atmospheric low-pressure areas over the ocean which would in turn to rain, this year, there is no immediate prospects of rain over Kerala which is a strange phenomenon. Kerala has been experiencing the hot weather for the past two weeks.

Usually the sea surface temperature recorded during this season would be a maximum of 26 degree Celsius. But, the temperatures over the sea surface has increased considerably over the past two days – the average everywhere is 30 degree Celsius. The scientists are intrigued by the absence of a low-pressure area and rain clouds even under these conditions.

The temperature levels in many districts have gone up to a maximum of 41 degree Celsius. Heat wave warnings are being issued for the past one week.

With the sea temperatures rising, the coastal districts are experiencing hot weather even at night. Even though the heat over the land would decrease by night fall, the hot breeze from the sea surface was continuing to cause distress to the people even at night.

Dr M G Manoj, Scientist at Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research, Cochin University of Science and Technology, points out that if the very beginning of El Nino had such adverse effects, the intensity may increase in the coming days.

Even though a low-pressure area was formed at the southern side of the Indian Ocean the other day, it did not develop enough to bring rain.

The large-scale forest fires has also been reported to have caused an unprecedented rise in temperature levels.

It is pointed out that in most incidents of forest fire, the chances for the forest being set on fire deliberately were high. The authorities are also concerned about the increasing practice among the local people living near forest areas to set fire to the forest areas near their home so as to keep the wild animals away.

36 sun burns cases

Several parts of Kerala have been hit by soaring mercury with 36 cases of sun burns being reported, official sources said Tuesday.

Kollam and Alapuzha districts accounted for the maximum sun burn cases of six each of the 36 reported till Monday, the Health department said.

Among other districts, Pathanamthitta saw five people seeking treatment for sun burn cases while Ernakulam and Kannur districts reported four cases each, it said. According to the India Meteorological Department here, maximum temperature was very likely to be above normal by 3 to 4 degree Celsius in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Kozhikode districts Tuesday and by 2 to 3 degree Celsius in the next two days.

Vellanikkara in Thrissur district recorded a maximum of 40.4 degrees Celsius while Palakkad 39.2 C as per the readings this morning.

The temperature was very likely to be above normal by 2 to 3 degree Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts during the next two days, the Met office said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged people to provide water to birds and animals in small pots or coconut shells to beat the summer heat.

In a Facebook post, Pinarayi said forest department was also taking steps to provide water to birds and animals in the forest by providing temporary water sources.

The health department has asked people to be alert and avoid getting exposed to sun from 11 am to 3 pm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Elderly and the children below four years must exercise caution, it said.