Temperatures likely to cross 40 degrees Celsius in these districts on March 27

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The summer heat touched 39.8 degrees Celsius in Thrissur on Tuesday. Palakkad recorded 39.2 degrees and Kollam 39 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures may exceed 40 degrees in these places on Wednesday.

Caution should be exercised as sunstroke and heatstroke are likely. Nine districts are on yellow alert today.

The extreme heat is due to high sea level temperatures and low summer rainfall. There is also a shortage of drinking water in rural areas as the wells have dried up. The state has so far received 1.4 mm of rain this month. Last year it was 18.1 mm.

Districts on alert today

• Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kannur
• Work in the sun should be avoided from 11 am to 3 am in these places. Those driving vehicles should carry water
• Meanwhile, there is a chance of light summer rain at isolated places in Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts.