The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for hot and humid weather across most districts in Kerala, excluding Idukki and Wayanad, for Monday. The warning indicates that Palakkad district is likely to experience a maximum temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius in isolated areas.
Temperature Forecast
Kollam is expected to record a maximum temperature of approximately 39 degrees Celsius. Other districts are likely to see temperatures three to four degrees above normal levels. On Sunday, Palakkad recorded 40.1 degrees Celsius, which is 3.8 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, Punalur in Kollam registered 39.5 degrees Celsius, 4.7 degrees above normal.
Rainfall and Thunderstorm Warnings
The Met department has also issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall at isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on Wednesday. Another yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta and Kottayam on Thursday. Additionally, IMD stated that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are very likely to occur at one or two places in the state on Monday. From Tuesday to Thursday, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are expected at isolated locations.
UV Index Surges in Munnar
Munnar, often called the Kashmir of the South for its cool climate, is experiencing a significant shift in weather conditions. The hill station is recording unusually high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV index, which typically remained around three, has now surged to eight. This rise is attributed to clear skies and the high-altitude location, which allows direct exposure to sunlight. An orange alert is issued when the UV index is in the 8-10 range, while a red alert is sounded when it reaches 11.
Authorities have urged both residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution, especially during daytime. Idukki District Collector Dinesan Cheruvat has called for strict adherence to safety measures. The tourism department and the district tourism promotion council have been tasked with issuing guidelines to visitors.
Sunstroke Suspected in Elderly Man's Death
A retired air force official was found dead in his agricultural farm at Kunnicode in Kollam on Saturday, with sunstroke suspected as the cause. The deceased has been identified as Baby Philip, 85, of Njarakkad Thenginthara. Family members said Philip went to his farm early Saturday morning but did not return home even after 11 am, prompting them to launch a search.
Local farmers who joined the search found Philip lying unconscious on the ground in the farm, with his head down. He was rushed to a private hospital at Kunnicode and later shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Preliminary observations revealed burn-like marks on his face, hands, and legs. Police officers said the exact cause of death could be confirmed only after a detailed postmortem examination.
The body has been shifted to the medical college hospital mortuary. Police have registered a case and initiated an inquiry. Further investigation is under way.
