Temperature soars, Palakkad to experience heat wave, 11 districts to burn

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central meteorological department has issued a heat wave warning in Palakkad. The department informed that heat wave conditions will prevail in various areas of the district from April 24 to 26. The warning was issued on the basis of the continuous extreme heat recorded and the temperature forecast to rise up to 41 degrees Celsius in the next few days.

Along with this, high temperature in Kollam up to 39 degrees Celsius, Thrissur and Kozhikode up to 38 degrees Celsius, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Kannur up to 37 degrees Celsius, Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod up to 36 degrees Celsius (2 - 4° C above normal) is likely to rise, informed the central meteorological department.

Alert
A heat wave is a situation that calls for extreme caution. Alert should be exercised by public and non-governmental institutions. Sunstroke and sunburn are more likely to occur. Sunstroke can even lead to death.

Rules to be followed
Avoid going out during the day as much as possible

Completely stop all outdoor work, sports, and other activities that expose the body to direct sunlight

Drink plenty of water

Go out only for essentials. Always use umbrella and footwear when going out

Those who engage in strenuous activities should take breaks and rest

Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and tea coffee completely during the day which cause dehydration

Ensure air circulation at home, office and workplace

Special provision should be made for bed-ridden patients, elderly, pregnant women, children, differently-abled persons and those suffering from disabilities due to other diseases

All public events should be postponed to evenings

May to get more rain
It is estimated that the summer rains will be active by the second week of May. It is also likely to be higher than average. Rainfall will be more in southern districts. Rainfall was 34 percent less in last summer. Only 236.4 mm of rain was received where 359.1 mm of rain should have been received. The lowest in recent times was in 2019-169.6 mm. Summer rains in 2013 was also low-216.4 mm. Meantime, record rainfall was received in 2004-766 mm.