THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Disaster Management Authority has issued a warning that the state will experience high temperatures today, potentially causing heat-related issues for voters and party workers. Twelve districts are on yellow alert.

Palakkad district is expected to experience the highest temperatures, reaching up to 41 degrees Celsius, prompting a heatwave warning. Following Palakkad, Kollam is also expected to experience high temperatures, reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in other districts are expected to be 2-4 degrees Celsius higher than normal.

Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts may experience summer rain and thunderstorms after 3 pm today. Summer rains are expected to be active in the second week of May.

Temperature forecasts for other districts include

- 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

Precautions to be taken include

- Extreme caution is advised in Palakkad and Kollam districts due to the sunstroke warning.

- Voters are advised to avoid direct exposure to the sun while waiting in queues to vote.

- Special attention should be given to children, pregnant women and people with health conditions by carrying umbrellas and staying hydrated.

- Drinking water regularly, wearing loose clothing, and seeking medical assistance if feeling unwell are recommended.

The Election Commission suggests providing shaded areas for voters waiting in queues and ensuring facilities such as drinking water are available. Collaborative arrangements will be made with nearby government hospitals or primary health centers to provide medical assistance.