Extreme temperature swings and a dry spell in Idukki’s cardamom belt are worrying farmers. Daytime temperatures reached 29°C by mid-February, unusually high for this season. Muthusamy Murugan, former head scientist at Kerala Agricultural University’s Cardamom Research Station, called this the third hottest February in 25 years. He warned that heat could rise further and advised farmers to focus on irrigation and mulching to protect soil moisture. Plantations near forests like Periyar Tiger Reserve may have cooler spots, helping crops handle the heat. Stany Pothen, a planter and member of the Kerala Plantation Business Advisory Committee, said his estate already hit 29°C on February 14. He started watering in January and has done five irrigation cycles. "We are witnessing extreme cold in the mornings and intense heat during the day. This pattern is highly unfavourable for cardamom," he noted. After the 2024 drought, growers hoped for a better 2026–27 season starting July. But if the heat and dryness continue, crop yields may drop again. Consultant Prince Mathew said his team recommends irrigation and mulching since January. For farms low on water, spraying potassium silicate helps reduce evaporation and retain moisture. Climatologist Gopakumar Cholayil stressed that changing climate harms thermosensitive crops like cardamom, causing income losses. High-altitude areas like Munnar and Thekkady showed frost in mornings but sharp heat at midday. Data from the United Planters’ Association of Southern India Tea Research Foundation showed night temperatures as low as 4°C in Silent Valley and Devikulam, with daytime highs of 27°C in Sevenmallay and Letchmi.