Kerala is witnessing an early indication of winter as night temperatures fall below 20° Celsius in many places. This is 3 to 4° Celsius lower than usual for this time of year. However, experts say it is not the start of a true winter yet because the atmosphere remains unstable and rain will continue on and off. Neetha K. Gopal, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Thiruvananthapuram, explained that the recent cool spell is due to a cyclonic system in the Bay of Bengal. "The cloud cover prevented the sun's heat from warming the earth's surface," she said. When this cyclonic system fades, temperatures are expected to return to normal. Light rain may still occur due to an easterly wave, but it will be minimal because weakening winds lose moisture crossing the mountains. Looking ahead, the IMD expects cold winds to come from the north in the second half of December. This will cause foggy mornings and a clear drop in temperatures in the high range hills and valleys of Kerala. “Our monthly forecast shows a normal winter season for Kerala in December, with temperatures near the long-term average. The plains will feel less cold due to the maritime influence," added Neetha K. Gopal. Meanwhile, northeast monsoon rainfall is down 21% in Kerala as of December 1, indicating a drier spell compared to last year.