Heavy rains to lash three more districts apart from Thiruvananthapuram 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There will be moderate rain with thundershowers at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha in the next three hours. Strong winds are likely to blow at a speed of up to 40 km per hour. The Central Meteorological Department has informed that there will be moderate rain at isolated places in Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam.

The maximum temperature in Thrissur and Palakkad is likely to rise to 39°C, Kozhikode to 38°C, Kannur to 37°C, Kollam Alappuzha and Kasaragod to 36°C (2 - 4 °C above normal) till April 16, informed the central meteorological department. Due to high temperature and humid air, hot and unpleasant weather is also likely till April 16 in these districts, except in hilly areas.

Alerts issued by the State Disaster Management Authority for the public in the event of high heat being reported in the state. High heat can cause many serious health problems such as sunstroke, sunburn and dehydration. Therefore, the general public should follow the following instructions.

• Avoid exposing body to direct sunlight for a long time between 11 am to 3 pm
• Drink fresh water as possible. Keep drinking water even if you are not thirsty
• Avoid dehydrating alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks etc. during daytime
• Wear loose, light colored cotton clothes
• Wear footwear when going out. It would be better to use an umbrella or a hat
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, buttermilk etc
• In places like markets, buildings, waste collection and deposit centers (dumping yards), there is a high possibility of fire outbreaks and spread. Fire audit should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. People living near these places and run establishments should be especially careful.
• There is a possibility of forest fire spreading in case of excessive heat. Tourists and people living near forest areas should be especially careful. Forest fire situations should be avoided. The instructions of the forest department should be followed strictly.
• Bedridden patients, elderly, pregnant women, children, differently abled and those suffering from other diseases should take special care not to be exposed to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. Special attention should be paid to such sections as they are prone to sun damage easily.
• The respective establishments should ensure that the online food delivery operators on two-wheelers are safe during noon (11 am to 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress in such a way as to prevent overheating and be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey if necessary.
• Media workers and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and avoid direct sun exposure. Help prevent dehydration by providing drinking water to personnel on duty.
• Organizers should ensure that adequate drinking water and shade are available to participants while conducting public events and gatherings. Avoid gatherings between 11 am and 3pm as much as possible.
• Travelers should continue their journey with adequate rest. Keep water handy.
• Construction workers, agricultural laborers, street vendors, and those engaged in any other strenuous work may adjust their working hours. Ensure adequate rest at work.
• Avoid leaving cattle to graze in the midday sun and keeping other domestic animals tied up in the sun. Ensure access to water for animals and birds
• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles
• Measures should be taken to use water without wastage and store maximum water during rains. Always keep a small bottle of drinking water handy to prevent dehydration
• If you feel uncomfortable, rest immediately and seek medical attention
• Heed and obey official warnings of Meteorological Department and Disaster Management Authority