Foggy hills at Kanthallur close to Marayur in Idukki on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Foggy hills at Kanthallur close to Marayur in Idukki on Friday.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The hill stations of Kanthallur and Marayur, close to Munnar, are witnessing an uncommon weather of mist and fog for the previous two days. Kumily additionally witnessed mild rain and fog on nowadays however Munnar has not but skilled chilly weather and the bottom temperature on Friday was 10°C.
Nigesh Issac, a resident of Marayur, says Kanthallur and Marayur witnessed foggy weather on Thursday and Friday. “Due to low visibility, driving was difficult on these days,” he says.
Kanthallur panchayat president P.A. Mohandas says the cool local weather is drawing vacationers to Kanthallur. “In September, Kanthallur bagged the Gold award from the Centre for the best rural tourism project. After winning the award, the number of tourists arriving at the hill station has increased. During Christmas season, Kanthallur witnessed heavy rush of tourists. We hope the present trend will continue till New Year,” says Mr. Mohandas.
Normal winter season begins in Munnar in November, with excessive chilly in the primary week of January. Usually, in January, the valleys and hills are coated with frost. But the hill station has not but skilled chilly weather thus far.
Munnar city recorded 10°C as per the United Planters Association of South India tea analysis centre data. The day temperature on Friday was 24°C. “The lowest temperature this year at the hill station was 6°C recorded on December 24. On December 30 last year, the town recorded 3°C,” says an official.
Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil says there’s a risk of the hill station experiencing a delayed winter in January or February. “Munnar has witnessed a delayed winter for the past several years and there are chances that the pattern may continue this year too. The climate calendar has already changed in the State, and the chances of experiencing normal weather pattern every year are slim,” says Mr. Cholayil.