THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department has informed that the temperatures in isolated places in Kerala are likely to increase by 2-3°C above normal today and tomorrow (08/02/2025 & 09/02/2025). The IMD has warned that the weather will likely be hot and uncomfortable these two days due to high temperatures and increased humidity.

High levels of heat can cause many serious health problems, including sunstroke, heatstroke, and dehydration. Here are some general guidelines for the public to follow:

* Avoid being out in direct sunlight for a prolonged time between 11 am and 3 pm.

* Drink as much fresh water as possible. Continue drinking water even if you are not thirsty.

* Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks, etc., which cause dehydration during the day.

* Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes.

* Wear footwear when going out. It is advisable to use an umbrella or hat.

* Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consuming ORS solution, Sambaram, etc., will be beneficial.

* There is a high possibility of fires spreading in places like markets, buildings, and waste collection and disposal centers. Those living near such places and/or working for such institutions should be especially vigilant. Fire audits should be conducted, and proper safety precautions should be taken.

* There is a possibility of forest fires. Those living near forest areas and tourists visiting such areas should be especially vigilant. Situations that may cause forest fires should be avoided. The instructions of the Forest Department should be strictly followed.

* Clean drinking water should be ensured for students in educational institutions, and proper ventilation should be ensured in classrooms. When the exam season arrives, drinking water should also be placed in the exam halls.

* School authorities and parents should take special care of students. Assemblies and other programs that expose children to excessive heat should be avoided or timed accordingly. Schools that take children on excursions should ensure that children are not exposed much to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm.

* The respective panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff should take special care to implement a system ensuring Anganwadi children do not get exposed to heat.

* Bedridden patients, elderly people, pregnant women, children, differently abled people, and those suffering from diseases should take special care to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. Special care should be taken in their case, as such groups are prone to sunstroke easily.

* The companies that take online orders to deliver food should ensure that their staff using two-wheelers are safe during the afternoon (11 am to 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress appropriately to avoid heat and be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey, when necessary.

* Media workers and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and be careful not to be exposed to direct sunlight. Provide drinking water to the officers involved in the work to help prevent dehydration.

* Organizers should ensure that sufficient drinking water and shade are available to the participants when holding public events and conferences. Avoid conferences from 11 am to 3 pm as much as possible.

* It is better for those who are traveling to continue their journey with sufficient rest. Keep water in hand.

* Construction workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and those involved in any other strenuous work should adjust their working hours. Ensure necessary rest during work.

* Avoid leaving livestock to graze in the midday sun and tying up other domestic animals in the sun. Ensure the availability of water for animals and birds.

* Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

* Take steps to use water sparingly and to store as much water as possible when it rains. Always carry a small bottle of drinking water with you to prevent dehydration.

* If you feel unwell, rest immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

* Listen to and obey official warnings from the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Authority.