Munnar witnesses extreme temperature fluctuations

Munnar in Idukki has been experiencing a rare weather pattern over the past several days, marked by extreme cold at night and early mornings and intense heat during the day.

A UV index level of 7 was recorded in Munnar on Wednesday, while temperatures dropped sharply again by Thursday early morning. The lowest temperature of 1°C was recorded at Chundavurrai on Thursday. According to the data from United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) Tea Research Foundation, the temperature fell to 2°C inSilent Valley and Letchmi, while Devikulam and UPASI headquarters in Nallathanni recorded 3°C on Thursday. Sevanmalai recorded 4°C, and UPASI R&Dcentre in Mattupetty saw temperature dipping to 5°C.

Officials noted that such drastic temperature drops in February are rare. Meanwhile, the daytime high was recorded at 27°C in Letchmi on Thursday.

G. Sojan, coordinator of the My Munnar Movement, said the town is currently caught between two extremes. “Due to the intense heat, people cannot remain outdoors during the day. Following these fluctuations, various illnesses are also being reported in Munnar,” he said.

Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil observed that this unusual pattern poses a threat to the region’s ecology. “This climate is not favourable for thermo-sensitive crops in the Idukki high ranges. In the future, such patterns could affect the sustainability of crops such as tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom, as well as the livelihoods of those who depend on them,” he said.

He further warned that if the pattern continues, incidents of sunburn may soon be reported in Munnar. “The high ranges do not require coastal or midland-level temperatures to trigger sunburn. Such incidents can occur in Munnar even when daytime temperature is below 30°C,” Mr. Cholayil added.

Munnar experienced an early winter this season,with temperatures dropping to sub-zero levels as early as the second week of December. These record lows were seen intermittently throughout December and January. Officials expect that if the current weather pattern persists, temperatures may fall below zero again in the coming days with intense heat during the day time.