THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Unlike in north India, where there is no respite from summer and the mercury just keeps soaring, the atmospheric temperature in the state used to remain constant almost throughout the summer months. Not anymore.
The temperatures, even in the hilly areas of the state, have risen by a degree above normal while the minimum temperature has risen by three-four degrees in some districts in the past four days.
Meteorologists point out how the summer showers that occurred in several districts had brought down the temperature at least temporarily. "The minimum temperature in Kochi came down by three degrees on Wednesday just because it received summer showers on Tuesday,'' said K Santhosh, director of India meteorological department.
He pointed out that the minimum temperature too has risen sharply in several districts and this also meant that the soil remains relatively hot even in the night. "The state is used to intermittent rains that keep the soil moist and act as a natural coolant,'' he said.
Environmentalists also attribute the rise in temperature to the greenhouse effect. "It is seen that the temperatures in urbanised areas are on the higher side, as compared to areas where there are more greenery and waterbodies,'' said Dr Kunhikrishnan, associate professor in zoology, University College.
He said the state used to have ample green zones and wetlands that absorbed the heat and cooled the atmosphere. "Areas like Munnar and Wayanad have become hotter because of rapid denuding of forests along the Western Ghats. The green hills act as a coolant. This is one reason why we have been telling the importance of preserving eco fragile lands like Nelliyampathy hills,'' he said.
The state, he said, have not begun any serious measures for water harvesting, especially in the urban areas. "It is high time that the planners realise that the rise in temperature, lack of rainfall and destruction of green zones are all related to each other. We may not be able to stop global warming but we can at least control climate at the local level by preserving our forests,'' he said.
Source:Times of India, 11 April 2013