CLIMATE

The geographical location and climatic factors play an important part in the development of culture and civilization. We enjoy a tropical climate with South-west monsoon rains for almost six months from ‘Edavam’ to ‘Thulam’ of the Malayalam calendar corresponding to May 15 to November 15. We also experience a warm humidity of the atmosphere. During the first four months we experience a continuous and heavy down pour. During the last two months the rains subside considerably and become intermittent. The flashes of lightning and thunder experienced during the months of October–November definitely need mention as it helps in the lush and speedy growth of the plants. The deciduous trees start shedding their leaves around the same period and it transform the ground, especially beneath the orchards into a bright orange or golden-yellow hue. We also experience chilly nights from December to February. From March to May the heat is at its peak. We experience a sweltering summer. It is also the flowering season when we find colouring all around as the flowering trees and plants are in full bloom. A few heavy showers in the midst of summer bring us intense relief. It cools the island and the landscape turns lush green with its large variety of flora, big trees, shrubs and herbs that spring up with the first monsoon rains. It makes the island so lush green and beautiful that one cannot deny that it is truly “God’s Own Island.”

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com

josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com