Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm lashes Thiruvananthapuram, big relief amid sweltering heat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst the gruelling heat that has taken a toll on locals, a fresh downpour lashed the capital city on Thursday night bringing back a much-needed relief. As of now, the rains are accompanied by severe thunderstorms and lightning. IMD has hitherto not put any restrictions on fishing.

The central meteorological department has earlier informed us that there is a possibility of rain in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam on Friday and Saturday. The state has received only a paltry 1.4 mm of summer rainfall so far instead of the usual 18 mm.

Earlier, IMD termed Kerala as one of the hottest states currently in India. IMD also issued weather warnings for Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts until Saturday. For the second day in a row, Kottayam is four degrees warmer than normal. It is here that the state has suddenly experienced more heat this summer.

Apart from this, the highest average temperature was recorded in Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kottayam districts. The situation has turned much worse that even nights are devoid of any cool breeze unlike in erstwhile times. Heat severity is higher in these districts due to high temperature and humid air.