Thiruvananthapuram, 25 April (H.S.): Amid rising temperatures and increasing incidents of snakebites, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will chair a high-level meeting on Saturday to review the situation across the State. The meeting, scheduled to be held online at 11 a.m., will bring together key ministers, the Chief Secretary, departmental secretaries, and disaster management officials.

The review comes as Kerala continues to experience intense heat conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for 12 districts. The meeting is expected to assess preparedness and response measures related to the ongoing heatwave, as well as the rising health risks associated with extreme weather, including dehydration and snakebite incidents.

Palakkad district, which has been recording the highest temperatures in the State, is likely to see the mercury touch 40°C over the weekend. Kollam may record temperatures up to 39°C, while Thrissur and Kottayam are expected to experience highs of around 38°C. In districts such as Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, temperatures could rise to 37°C. Even in Thiruvananthapuram, the maximum temperature is likely to reach 36°C.

According to the IMD, the combination of high temperatures and humid conditions is expected to result in hot and uncomfortable weather across most parts of the State, particularly in non-hilly regions, until Sunday. Authorities have urged the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, there is also a possibility of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in the evening hours. The weather department has warned that lightning can be dangerous and has advised people to remain vigilant, especially during sudden weather changes.

The State government is expected to step up preventive and awareness measures following the outcome of the high-level meeting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman