Thiruvananthapuram, March 12 (IANS) Kerala is reeling under intense heat for this time of the month with the temperature crossing 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the state.

Palakkad district is the worst affected with the mercury touching 42.7 degrees Celsius Friday followed by Kollam 42 degrees, Kannur 39, Kottayam 38 and the capital 37.5 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department.

According to Met officials, the rise in temperature is due to low rainfall in the state in January and February. Rainfall was 33 per cent less than in previous years.