Heat wave warning: Three districts bracing for 41 degree celsius temperatures

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On April 27th and 28th, the Central Meteorological Department has informed that heatwave conditions will prevail in various areas of Kollam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. The heatwave warning is based on the extreme heat recorded for consecutive days, with temperatures expected to rise up to 41 degrees Celsius in Palakkad district and 40 degrees Celsius in Kollam and Thrissur districts in the next few days.

Due diligence should be exercised by the public and non-governmental institutions. People are more prone to sunburn during heatwaves, which can even lead to death. The Meteorological Department requests that the following instructions be strictly 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 an umbrella and footwear when going out.

- Those who engage in strenuous physical activity should take breaks and rest.

- Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, tea and coffee completely during the day as they cause dehydration.

- Electrical devices can overheat due to continuous use, leading to the risk of fire. Switch them off after use in offices and homes. Keep fans, lights and ACs switched off at night in offices and rooms that are not in use.

- Ensure air circulation at home, office and workplace.

- Markets, buildings, waste collection and deposit centers (dumping yards), places with garbage and dry grass are more prone to fire. A fire audit should be conducted at these places, and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those who live nearby and run establishments should be especially careful.

- Employment guarantee scheme workers, journalists, outdoor workers and police officers should use umbrellas from 11 am to 3 pm and avoid direct exposure to the sun. Help the general community prevent dehydration by providing drinking water to those who are engaged in work.

- School authorities and parents should pay special attention to students. Children should avoid or schedule programs that expose them to more sunlight. Schools taking children on field trips should ensure that children are not exposed to direct heat between 11 am and 3 pm.

- Special provisions should be made for bedridden patients, the elderly, pregnant women, children, the differently-abled and those suffering from disabilities due to other diseases.

- All public events should be postponed to the evenings.

The public is requested to exercise self-restraint and stay safe as much as possible.