Wayanad: Wayanad has been experiencing an intense cold spell for over a week, with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees celsius on several days. Weather officials say the district could witness even lower temperatures in the coming days, raising the possibility of a colder-than-usual start to the New Year.

The chill is most pronounced during the early morning hours, often comparable to the cold conditions in Ooty, and tends to linger until after 10 am. Though temperatures rise briefly around noon, the cold returns by late afternoon. Dense fog has also been reported across several parts of the district during the early hours.

In rural areas, residents have been lighting fires in the mornings to keep warm, while demand for jackets, woollens and blankets has increased significantly. Shops selling winter wear have reported brisk sales.

Despite the biting cold, Wayanad has entered one of its peak tourism seasons. The wintry weather and mist-covered landscapes are attracting more visitors to the high ranges, with popular tourist destinations witnessing a steady rise in footfall. With Christmas and New Year celebrations at their peak, tourism officials expect visitor numbers to increase further.

Since December 15, homestays, resorts, villas and hotels across Wayanad have been accepting special bookings. Most visitors hail from neighbouring states, including Karnataka, along with travellers from other districts.

However, the usual traffic snarls at the Thamarassery Ghat, the main route to Wayanad, are causing major delays. Large vehicles, including lorries, frequently get stuck, bringing traffic to a standstill for hours. Many tourists have found themselves stranded in the ghat for long periods, a recurring problem over the past few days.

The situation is further aggravated by ongoing road-widening work on key bends along the ghat. Despite these challenges, the approaching weekend and the start of the holiday season are expected to bring an even heavier influx of visitors to the district.