Cold wave in north not to affect state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  The cold wave gripping North and Central India will not have much effect on the temperature in the state. According to the Meteorological Department here, the wind is not favourable for carrying the cold wind from Central India. However, the minimum temperature will deviate 1 to 2 degree celsius from normal. Met expects fall in temperature to continue for the next two to three days.Minimum temperature fell appreciably below normal in Kottayam early on Monday  morning. Kottayam recorded minimum temperature of 19 degree celsius with a deviation of 3 degree celsius below normal.Among Met stations, Punalur recorded the lowest minimum temperature, which is around 18 degree celsius. ‘’Dry wind from the north is arresting incursion of moisture from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. North or northeasterly wind will keep the atmosphere cool. Night and early morning will remain cool for two-three days,’’ Met Director K Santhosh said.Last week, the temperature in the state fell appreciably below normal, especially due to the presence of a high pressure belt which developed over Central India.The sky is clear during January and February. Normally, land gets heated up due to sun’s radiation during the daytime and re-radiates during the night. When the sky is clear, the rate of re-radiation will be more. Thus early morning and night will remain cool.North and Central India is under the grip of a cold wave for the past couple of weeks. Temperature fell appreciably below normal in most states.According to IMD website, the minimum temperature would rise by 2 to 3 degree celsius over parts of northwest and adjoining Central India during the next two days leading to abatement of the cold wave and ground frost conditions.