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Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a heatwave warning in parts of Kerala. It said that heatwaves are likely in parts of Thrissur, Kollam, and Palakkad districts of the state on Thursday and Friday.

According to the weather department, the maximum temperature is likely to reach 41 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, 40 din Kollam and Thrissur, while around 38 degrees can be expected in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, which means around 4–5 degrees Celsius above normal.

Other districts like Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod are also likely to witness temperatures around 37°C, while Thiruvananthapuram may witness 36 degrees Celsius, the IMD said in its press release.

IMD predicts hot, humid conditions for 3-4 days

It further forecasts hot and humid weather conditions across Kerala, apart from hilly areas, on Thursday and Sunday this week. Due to the heatwave, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued strict guidelines, including for the Education Department. According to it, all vacation classes, camps, and similar student activities have been suspended.

The department further added that exam-related activities like valuation will be allowed to continue only if proper safeguards are made, including proper ventilation, clean drinking water, and other facilities.

Kerala CM urges people to stay cautious

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged people to remain cautious amid rising temperatures in the state. Taking to Facebook, he pointed out that temperatures have crossed 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. He also urged people to avoid being outdoors between 11 AM to 3 PM and to stay hydrated.

Talking about the preparedness of his government, the chief minister added that the working hours have been rescheduled to avoid exposure in the daytime. He added that employment guarantee works have been stopped during peak heat hours. “Together, with cooperation, we can overcome this severe summer as well,” he said.