THRISSUR:The experts from Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) at Peechi said the recent chain of incidents in Kerala coastal belt, where assorted plants and shrubs were found in a wilted condition, points to the possibility of a heat burst. It is a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterised by gusty winds and a rapid increase in temperature in tandem with a decrease in dew point (moisture). According to Dr Sandeep, the head of the team in charge of investigation, the initial assumption behind wilting of plants and shrubs was the result of heat waves. “We will be visiting Kollam and other areas in the coastal belt. A concrete answer can be given only after that,” he said. The wilting of plants and shrubs had manifested in all its intensity mainly along the Calicut coastal belt. The incidents had occurred in isolated pockets situated at the Chavakkad and Kadappuram areas along the Thrissur coastal region.
Heat bursts typically occur during night time and are associated with decaying thunderstorms. They are also characterised by extremely dry air and sometimes with very strong, even damaging winds.
Earlier reports suggest recorded temperatures during heat bursts have sometimes risen by 11 degree celsius or more. This leads to a rapid evaporation of water from leaves and subsequent wilting. Any health issues to human beings due to this phenomenon have not been observed yet.
‘Reverse Osmosis’
However, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority member and scientist Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose is one among the many that subscribes to a different school of thought.
“If it was indeed a heat wave, the shrubs and plants in the area should have wilted uniformly.
“Personally, I believe it is reverse osmosis, put in motion by the heavy winds blowing saline water onto the leaves, that sucked dry the water from them.
“A concrete opinion can be given only after further tests are conducted,” he said.
“A few shrubs were found wilted, in isolated pockets, along the Kadappuram belt, and that is it,” said Mujib, a block panchayat member at Kadappuram.