Thiruvananthapuram, 19 April (H.S.):

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in Kerala over the next five days, urging residents to remain cautious amid fluctuating weather conditions.

According to the IMD, isolated places across the State are likely to receive thundershowers from Monday through April 22. Light rainfall is expected in all districts on Sunday, with a possibility of lightning activity. Authorities have advised the public to exercise vigilance, noting that lightning may not always be visible and can strike unexpectedly.

The weather office has stressed the importance of early precautions. People are advised to move indoors immediately at the first sign of thunder or dark clouds, as remaining in open areas significantly increases the risk of lightning strikes. Such incidents can pose serious threats to human and animal life, besides causing damage to electrical and communication networks, as well as household appliances connected to power sources.

Meanwhile, the IMD has also warned of a rise in daytime temperatures across the State. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal over the next two days. Palakkad district may record temperatures as high as 40°C, while Kollam could touch 39°C and Kottayam 38°C.

Several other districts—including Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod—are likely to experience temperatures around 37°C. In Thiruvananthapuram, the mercury is expected to rise up to 36°C.

The combination of high temperatures and humid conditions is likely to result in uncomfortable weather across most regions, particularly in lowland areas. However, relatively milder conditions may prevail in hilly regions.

The IMD has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and take necessary precautions against lightning during the forecast period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman