Kerala Faces Intense Heatwave as IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Eight Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for maximum temperatures across eight districts in Kerala on Friday, signaling a period of intense heat and humidity. The affected districts include Kannur, Kasaragod, Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Palakkad.
Temperature Projections and Heat Warnings
Maximum temperatures are expected to soar to around 37°C at isolated places in Kannur and Kasaragod, while Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Palakkad districts are likely to experience temperatures of approximately 36°C. In the last 24 hours, Kannur airport recorded the highest maximum temperature of 38.2°C, highlighting the severity of the heatwave.
Conversely, Punalur saw the lowest minimum temperature at 22.5°C. Notably, the maximum temperature fell appreciably in Malappuram, but it remained above normal in Kottayam, indicating varied impacts across the state.
KSDMA Issues Orange Alert for High Ultraviolet Index
In response to the escalating heat, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an orange-level alert due to a high ultraviolet index (UVI) recorded in multiple locations. Key readings include:
- Munnar: UVI of 10
- Konni, Chenganassery, and Chengannur: UVI of 9
- Kottarakkara, Ollur, Thrithala, and Ponnani: UVI of 8
This elevated UVI poses significant health risks, such as sunburn and skin damage, prompting authorities to urge residents to take precautions like using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
Meteorological Conditions and Regional Impacts
IMD reports that an upper-air cyclonic circulation is present over the Kanyakumari area and its neighborhood at 0.9km above mean sea level. Meanwhile, the upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Sri Lanka at 3.1km above mean sea level has become less marked, suggesting shifting weather patterns.
Additionally, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a swell surge alert for Lakshadweep and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. From Friday to Sunday, swell waves with periods of 15.0–19.0 seconds and heights of 0.5–1.1 meters are forecast for Agatti, Amini, Androth, Kavaratti, and Minicoy.
INCOIS advises that there is a possibility of surging waves, recommending that boats ply with utmost vigilance and recreational activities be undertaken with due care to ensure safety.
Residents across Kerala are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and follow official guidelines to mitigate the effects of this heatwave and high UV exposure.
