Kerala experiencing an unusual cold spell to continue after short brake

Kerala has been experiencing an unusual cold spell in the past few weeks. Due to the presence of clouds this week, the cold in the coastal areas will ease, but winter is not over. The eastern region will also be cold in the coming days. Let's see what is the reason for the cold spell in Kerala this year.

In recent weeks, the 'God’s Own Country' has been trading its signature tropical warmth for an unexpected, bone-chilling mist. From the frost-covered valleys of Munnar to the shivering coastal plains of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala is currently experiencing a weather anomaly that has residents reaching for woolens they rarely get to use.

Here is a breakdown of why this tropical paradise is feeling more like a hill station this season.

The Mercury Drop: Record-Breaking Chills

The 2025-26 winter season has brought a series of unprecedented temperature drops across the state. While the high ranges are used to cool weather, the intensity and timing of this year’s cold have caught many by surprise.

Munnar (Idukki): The hill station has recorded sub-zero temperatures as early as mid-December. Areas like Chenduvarai, Sevenmallay, and Silent Valley have seen the mercury plunge to -1°C, leaving tea plantations carpeted in white frost.

The Plains: Even coastal and midland districts have felt the 'nip in the air.' Minimum temperatures in cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have hovered around 18°C to 20°C, which is nearly 3–4°C below the seasonal normal.

Foggy Mornings: Thick blankets of fog, a rarity for the capital city, have disrupted early morning travel and transformed the urban landscape into something resembling a North Indian winter.

Why Is This Happening?

Meteorologists point to a 'perfect storm' of atmospheric factors that have combined to drain the heat from the peninsula.

1. The La Niña Factor

A prevailing weak-to-moderate La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean is the primary global driver. La Niña typically pushes cold air masses from Central Asia further south than usual. For India, this often translates into more frequent and severe cold waves that can occasionally reach the southern tip of the country.

2. After-effects of Cyclone Ditwah

In early December, Cyclone Ditwah in the Bay of Bengal played a dual role. Initially, its cloud cover prevented solar radiation from heating the earth's surface during the day. As the system dissipated, it left behind a stable, dry atmosphere.

3. Dry Winds from the North and Karnataka

The absence of moisture is a key culprit. Currently, Kerala is receiving dry northerly winds blowing down from North India and neighboring Karnataka.

The 'Western Ghats Filter': As these winds cross the Western Ghats, the mountains strip away any remaining moisture.

Radiational Cooling: With a clear sky and no humidity (which usually acts like a greenhouse gas to trap heat), the earth's surface loses heat rapidly at night, leading to plummeting temperatures by dawn.