Heatwave; Orange alert in Palakkad, yellow alert in two districts, warning till May 3

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert as a heatwave is likely to persist in certain areas of Palakkad district today. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for the possibility of a heatwave in some areas of Kollam and Thrissur districts today.

Central Meteorological Department warns that from today until May 3, high temperatures in Palakkad district may reach up to 41 degrees Celsius while in Kollam and Thrissur districts, temperatures may rise to 40 degrees Celsius. In Kozhikode district, temperatures could reach up to 39 degrees Celsius and in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Kannur districts, temperatures may soar up to 38 degrees Celsius.

Ernakulam and Malappuram, Kasaragod districts may experience temperatures up to 37 degrees Celsius and Thiruvananthapuram district could see temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius (3-5 degrees Celsius above normal). Due to high temperatures and humid air, hot and humid weather is expected from today until May 3 in these districts, excluding hilly areas.

The Department of Meteorology emphasizes that the public, as well as administrative and non-administrative systems, should exercise caution as a heatwave requires extreme care. Sunburn and heatstroke are more likely to occur during such conditions, and it is crucial to note that severe sunburn can even lead to fatalities.

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 centres (dumping yards) and 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.