Scorching heat has been sweeping across Kerala for the past several weeks. The unbearable heat, regardless of day or night, is disrupting the daily lives of humans as well as birds and animals. So far, temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius have been recorded in the state. In most districts, the temperature continues to remain high. Even in the early morning, temperatures close to 30 degrees Celsius are being registered. Even after sunset, there is no relief from the heat. An atmospheric phenomenon called an anticyclone, in which winds move in the opposite direction of a cyclone, is being cited as the reason for the current extreme heat. This anticyclone, which forms at an altitude of 3.5 to 5 kilometres above sea level, prevents warm air near the Earth’s surface from rising and also blocks the formation of rain clouds. As a result, heat gets trapped in the atmosphere, causing intense heat both day and night. This anticyclone is also responsible for delaying the usual summer rainfall in Kerala. Although isolated rainfall was received in some parts of the state over the past two days, it has not led to any significant reduction in heat. Even though rain is expected over the next two to three days, it is unlikely to provide any relief from the rising mercury. Following these developments, the Meteorological Department and government authorities have issued precautionary warnings.
This new wave of extreme heat is being attributed to multiple factors from global climate change to local policy shifts. From the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean to changes in humidity conditions in coastal regions, a range of emerging and alarming climate trends are contributing to this situation. The causes of the climate variations witnessed in Kerala over the past few years — including extreme heat and unexpected floods — need not be sought far beyond our immediate surroundings. There are numerous reasons, including the way we have interfered with nature in Kerala in the name of national highway development. Just as development cannot be avoided, its natural consequences also cannot be evaded. In Kerala, heat levels are rising more in cities than in rural areas. The massive glass-covered high-rise buildings, tarred roads, and concrete surfaces in urban areas have created intense heat, a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island effect, or urban warming.
In Kerala, in Kochi alone, which is affected by this in Kerala, so-called “heat pockets” created by concrete jungles and industrial zones have expanded significantly over the past few years. Within two decades, the construction sector in Kochi city recorded a 300 per cent growth. This development has destroyed the natural cooling systems consisting of paddy fields, ponds, canals, and wetlands. In Thiruvananthapuram city, concrete construction increased from 13 per cent to 41 per cent over the past three decades. Areas that were once rich in shade and greenery have been transformed into concrete structures. In Kozhikode city, studies show that large buildings are obstructing the natural flow of wind. When examining the story of these three major cities in Kerala, one can clearly see the flip side of the development we are compelled to embrace. There is no turning back now. Therefore, we are left with no option but to explore new ways to deal with natural disasters such as extreme heat and floods. The government must take the initiative. People must also adapt to new ways of living.
The search for relief from the scorching heat has also led to a sharp rise in electricity consumption. According to estimates, electricity consumption has reached an all-time record level. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has approached the Regulatory Commission seeking approval to purchase electricity at a cost of up to 10 rupees per unit in order to ensure increased availability of power. In addition to fans and air conditioners, the shortage of cooking gas in the current global conflict situation has also led people to shift towards alternative systems such as induction cookers, further increasing power consumption. Despite the state government repeatedly claiming for the past ten years that Kerala is power-cut free, it has also asserted that there will be no power cuts or load shedding as a matter of prestige. However, experience often shows otherwise. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure that people’s lives are not made difficult. At the same time, people must also adapt their lifestyles in accordance with environmental changes. Rising temperatures are causing serious health problems such as sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
Reports indicate the spread of skin diseases, stomach infections, eye-related illnesses, chickenpox, and jaundice. With increasing atmospheric humidity and high ultraviolet index levels, changes such as adjusting working hours to between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., drinking plenty of water, and adopting diets rich in water-containing fruits and vegetable salads are becoming necessary. In this way, adapting lifestyle according to the patterns and demands of nature is the way to survive and move forward in good health in any extreme situation.