The Hindu (Kozhikode)

Temperatur­e rose 4°C in Munnar this March

- Sandeep Vellaram

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala known for its cool climate, witnessed an increase in temperatur­e by 4°C this year compared to the previous year. On Thursday, the daytime temperatur­e recorded was 27°C and the morning temperatur­e 11°C.

According to data from the tea plantation­s in Munnar, the hill station recorded a temperatur­e of 28°C for the first time in March.

“Normally, the temperatur­e rises to 2728°C in April or May every year. However, on March 6 this year, the hill station recorded 28°C. The highest temperatur­e recorded last

According to data from tea plantation­s in Munnar, the hill station recorded a temperatur­e of 28°C for the first time in March.

March was source.

Tea production

said

aAccording to sources, the rising temperatur­e threatens the tea plantation sector, one of the major crops in the hill station.

“The temperatur­e in the

hill station shows a sharp increase of 34°C, creating stress for the tea plantation­s.

This may affect the production. Last year, the hill station received nearly 10 mm of rainfall in March. But this year, Munnar experience­d no rainfall in

March,” said the source.

Climatolog­ist Gopakumar Cholayil said a sudden increase in temperatur­e would negatively impact thermosens­itive crops. “However, a gradual increase may not be a problem for the tea plantation­s.” The rise in temperatur­e was likely to affect the production and quality of tea, coffee, cardamom, and other crops, he said.

National Centre for Earth Science Studies’ (NCESS) Atmospheri­c Science Division scientist E.A. Resmi said that as per the weather sensor installed by the NCESS, the average temperatur­e in Munnar in February was 18°C and the maximum temperatur­e was 23°C.

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