THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in the state due to the heat wave. A heat wave warning has also been issued. The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of heat wave in Kannur and Kasaragod today and tomorrow (25/02/2025 & 26/02/2025). A yellow alert has been issued for 11 districts.

The warning states that the maximum temperature in Kasaragod and Kannur is likely to rise to 39 °C, in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kottayam, Kollam and Pathanamthitta it is likely to rise to 37 °C and in Ernakulam and Alappuzha it is likely to rise to 36 °C (2 - 4 °C higher than normal).

Along with the temperature warning, the IMD has also warned that there is a possibility of rain in the state for the next five days. A yellow alert has been issued in various districts.

28/02/2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta

01/03/2025: Pathanamthitta, Idukki

A yellow alert has been issued for the following districts. Isolated heavy rain is predicted. Heavy rain is defined as a situation where 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain is expected in 24 hours.

High heat can cause many serious health issues including sunstroke, heatstroke, and dehydration. Therefore, the public should follow the following instructions.

• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm.

• Drink plenty of clean water. 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-coloured cotton clothes.

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

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, butter milk, etc.

• There is a high possibility of fires increasing and spreading in places like markets, buildings, waste collection and disposal centers (dumping yards). Fire audits should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those living near these and those running establishments should be especially vigilant.

• There is a possibility of forest fires spreading in the heat. Those living near forest areas and tourists 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 air circulation should be ensured in classrooms. During the examination period, availability of water should also be ensured in the examination halls.

• School authorities and parents should pay special attention to the students. Assemblies and other events 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 to direct heat between 11 am and 3 pm.

• The respective Panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff should take special care to implement a system that prevents Anganwadi children from getting exposed to heat.
• Bedridden patients, elderly people, pregnant women, children, differently abled people, and those suffering from other 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 respective institutions should ensure that those who distribute food online on two-wheelers are safe during the afternoon (between 11 am and 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress appropriately to avoid heat and be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey if necessary.

• Journalists and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (from 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.

• When holding public events and conferences, organizers should ensure that sufficient drinking water and shade are available to the participants. Avoid conferences between 11 am and 3 pm if possible.