Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is once again bracing for intense summer conditions as temperatures continue to climb across the state, prompting authorities to issue a fresh warning. The India Meteorological Department has sounded a yellow alert in several districts, cautioning residents about the health risks associated with extreme heat and humidity.
According to the latest forecast, Palakkad is expected to experience the highest temperatures, with mercury levels likely to touch 40°C in the coming days. Kollam may see temperatures rising up to 39°C, while Kottayam is projected to reach 38°C. Several other districts including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod are likely to record around 37°C, while Thiruvananthapuram may touch 36°C, which is above the seasonal average.
The combination of high temperatures and humidity is expected to create uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions, especially in lowland regions. Officials from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority have warned that such weather can lead to serious health complications, including sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
Authorities have issued detailed safety guidelines, urging people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the peak heat hours of the day. Residents are advised to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly even when not thirsty and to avoid beverages like alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and soft drinks that may worsen dehydration.
Wearing light-colored, loose cotton clothing, using umbrellas or hats, and ensuring proper footwear when stepping outside are among the recommended precautions. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, along with fluids such as oral rehydration solutions and traditional drinks like sambaram, is encouraged to maintain body hydration.
The warning also highlights an increased risk of fire hazards in markets, buildings, and waste disposal areas. Authorities have urged institutions to conduct fire safety audits and take preventive measures. Forest regions are particularly vulnerable during this period, raising concerns about the spread of wildfires. Residents living near forests and tourists have been asked to strictly follow safety instructions issued by the Forest Department.
Special attention has been directed toward schools and educational institutions, which are advised to ensure adequate drinking water and ventilation in classrooms and examination halls. Outdoor activities, including assemblies, should be minimized or rescheduled to avoid peak heat hours. Caregivers and school authorities are also urged to monitor children closely.
Vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, bedridden patients, and individuals with existing health conditions are at higher risk and must avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Similarly, workers such as construction laborers, agricultural workers, and delivery personnel are encouraged to adjust working hours and take sufficient rest breaks.
Authorities have also issued advisories for animal welfare, urging owners not to expose livestock and pets to direct sunlight and to ensure continuous access to water. Leaving children or animals inside parked vehicles has been strongly discouraged.
Public event organizers have been instructed to provide shade and drinking water facilities and, where possible, avoid scheduling programs during peak heat hours. Travelers are advised to carry water and take frequent breaks to prevent exhaustion.
Officials emphasize the importance of staying updated with official warnings and responding promptly to any symptoms of heat-related illness. Immediate rest and medical attention are crucial if discomfort arises.
With temperatures continuing to rise, authorities have called for collective vigilance and responsible behavior to minimize the risks posed by the ongoing heatwave.