Yellow warning in Kerala as temperature shoots up; check IMD forecast

According to the forecast released by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on Wednesday, the maximum temperatures are likely to be around 38 degrees Celsius in Kollam and Palakkad districts and up to 37 degrees Celsius in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

The IMD forecast also stated that the temperature in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts is likely to rise to 36 degrees Celsius, that is, 2-to-3 degrees Celsius higher than normal. “Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 38˚C at Isolated places in Kollam, Kottayam & Palakkad districts, 37˚C at Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode & Kannur districts and 36˚C at Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram & Kasargod districts (2 to 3˚C above normal) on March 26,” the latest IMD bulletin at the time of publication of this report reads.

When will the temperature come down?

On Saturday, thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and winds of speeds with up to 30-40 kmph are likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala. These conditions may continue till March 30. This may bring the temperature down a notch or two.

Authorities advise avoiding outdoors in afternoon 

In view of the hot weather, the KSDMA has issued advisory for residents of the state to follow, which includes staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight for long periods between 11 am and 3 pm, wearing loose-fitting and light-coloured, cotton clothes.

It also recommended those who may feel dizzy, exhausted, or unwell to “immediately move to a cool/shaded area and seek medical help if necessary”.

The advisory also encouraged employers to adjust working hours to ensure labourers are not exposed to direct sun during the peak hours (11 am to 3 pm).

The IMD also stated that there are no restrictions on fishing along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep today, according to a post shared by KSDMA over Facebook.

Why is it not a heatwave alert?

As per IMD, for a heatwave alert to be issued the average temperature of a region needs to be above 40 degrees Celsius in plains and 30 degrees Celsius in hills.

A heatwave is also declared if at least two stations detect a departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C from normal if the departure is greater than 6.4°C. Further, if the maximum temperature at two stations crosses 45°C, a heatwave alert may be issued for that particular region.

Since, the forecast for Kerala doesn’t meet these criteria, it is a ‘yellow warning’ so far and not a heatwave alert.