The Solar Transit of Alpha Aquilae

Climate Change, wrought about by Global Warming, has had its impact on Kerala.

The Solar transit of Alpha Aquilae is on. From Feb 6th onwards, the Sun will transit Alpha Delphini ( Dhanishta or Avittam ).

The longish North East Monsoon, and the retreating coldness which came later, saw the temperature rise in Kerala. Now it is 35 degree Celsius. In Palghat, 38 degrees were recorded.

Cold ocean winds reduce the heat. These winds have started operation quite earlier than last year.

Hot air rises high in the atmosphere and the cold winds from the ocean fill this void. These winds are there from 1100 AM onwards, coming from the Bay of Bengal. These winds reduce the temperature of the land.

Intense heat is beginning to be felt in Trichur and Palghat. Irrigation has been started in agri lands and this time it was started earlier than usual. Normally irrigation start from the sidereal month of Sagittarius or Dhanus ( from 15 Dec onwards ).

Even though rains have been above the average last year, still potable water problem will persist. From the latter half of February onwards these winds will retreat, making Kerala a very hot place ! Palghat may record heat more than 40 degrees Celsius ( the highest temp recorded last year ).

It is relief for Keralites that the dusty Palghat winds have not strengthened now. Diseases are propagated by these winds.

The current climate - because of the longish monsoons - is favourable for mango trees now. But then if the winds acquire more power, tender mangoes and flowers will fall.

There are reasons for the premature heat experienced now. Climatic changes and the changing rhythms of Kala Varsha ( South West Monsoon ) and Thula Varsha ( North East Monsoon ) are the causative factors. The South West Monsoon exited only after 27 days than normal. The North East Monsoon gave rains till the 15th of December.

Once the rains retreated, cold climate was felt till mid Jan.

Rising temperature has been reported in Kerala. The annual temperature is rising, according to the stats from Trichur, Trivandrum and Kottayam centers. The temp of the water on Trichur paddy fields in now 35 degrees Celsius. The normal temp is 30 degrees.

The summer rains which come in March and April keep the temperature stable in Kerala. Heat comes down in the rain falling areas. But then this will not solve the potable water problem. To the drinking water problem, Rainwater Harvesting has been recommended as the solution.