March to remain hottest this summer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  The state is likely to face a surge in the mercury-level, as March is considered as the hottest month of the summer season.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) feels that the maximum temperature will not show much deflection from the normal rates of the summer season.Last year’s summer was normal  when compared to 2010, which was the warmest year since 1901. This time, the IMD feels that the summer will be normal.According to the Met Department, the period from March to June is considered as the summer season. Thundershowers are predicted in the isolated pockets of South Kerala within two days. However, dry weather will prevail in Northern Kerala. The isolated thundershowers are less likely to reduce the temperature.Presence of cloudy atmosphere is raising the temperature since it blocks the re-radiation of the Sun’s rays. The relative humidity is high. So heat will be trapped above the surface.Among the Met sub-stations, Palakkad normally records highest maximum temperature in March. The average maximum temperature is 37.4 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, while it is 36.5 degree Celsius in Punalur.  Vellanikkara’s average maximum temperature is 35.6 degrees C, while Thiruvananthapuram city has 33.1 degrees Celsius.“We are not expecting much deviation from the normal rates. March will remain as hottest month of the season,” Met Director K Santhosh said.