Munnar in Idukki is seeing winter arrive early this year. On Monday morning, the temperature at the Chenduvarai tea estate fell sharply to 3°C, the lowest this season. Frost was also noticed in the area. The United Planters Association of South India (UPASI) confirmed the 3°C reading. Nearby estates recorded low temperatures too: Letchmi Estate at 4°C and Sevenmalai at 5°C. The India Meteorological Department’s weather station at Kundala, near Munnar, reported a low of 6°C. Climate experts say this is the earliest winter since 2018. Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil said, “Presently, the conditions are favourable for a chilly weather. Alerts for depression or heavy rain have not been issued so far. Hilly regions, including Munnar, will witness more temperature drops in the coming days.” He added the temperature may drop below zero during Christmas week. Tourism officials expect more visitors as the cold weather sets in. A local tourism stakeholder said, “The IndiGo flight cancellations had initially affected the Christmas and New Year bookings to Munnar. Now the situation has changed, and we are receiving bookings and enquiries.” He also noted, “Tourists, especially north Indians, are arriving in Munnar to enjoy the chill in December and January. We hope the early arrival of winter will attract more tourists.” Normally, Munnar's winter begins in November, with the coldest period in the first week of January. This year, cold conditions started early from the second week of December with frost on hills and valleys.