Thiruvananthapuram,24 April (HS): Kerala is bracing for an intense spell of heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of possible heatwave conditions in parts of the State over the coming days. Orange alerts have been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kollam districts, where temperatures are expected to rise significantly above normal levels.

According to the IMD, Palakkad may record temperatures as high as 41°C, while Thrissur and Kollam could touch 40°C. Several other districts, including Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode, are likely to see temperatures climb up to 38°C. In Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod, the mercury may hover around 37°C. Even coastal Thiruvananthapuram is expected to experience temperatures up to 36°C—around 4 to 5 degrees above the seasonal average.

Heatwave conditions are considered rare in Kerala, with previous instances recorded in 2016 in Palakkad and Thrissur, and more recently in 2024 in Palakkad and Kozhikode. The IMD has cautioned that temperatures across at least 12 districts will remain 3 to 4 degrees above normal until April 26.

In response to the extreme heat, district administrations in Thrissur and Kollam have declared a holiday for educational institutions. Authorities have also directed that anganwadis, tuition centres, and vacation classes should remain closed. However, online classes may be conducted if necessary. Scheduled examinations by universities and boards will proceed as planned.

Meanwhile, there is some relief in sight. The IMD has forecast the possibility of summer showers beginning April 27, which could bring down temperatures. Rainfall is expected to continue in the following days, offering respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman