Rising temperature triggers heat warning in Kerala

With summer beginning to make its presence felt in the State, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned that temperatures were likely to reach levels that could pose serious health risks in many parts of Kerala in the coming days.

The authority has advised the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. At present, the variation in maximum daytime temperatures across several parts of the State is limited to around 2°C.

However, according to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) extended forecast, a gradual rise of 2°C to 3°C in maximum temperatures is expected over the next two weeks. The monthly outlook for February also indicates above-normal maximum temperatures in Kerala during the month.

Minimum temperatures

Minimum temperatures are likely to increase gradually by 2°C to 3°C across most parts of the country, including peninsular India, during the remaining half of the month.

Kannur has recorded the highest temperature in the State for the past two days, with the mercury touching 37.2°C. As daytime temperatures continue to climb, an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels, reflected in the UV index, is also expected in the coming days. UV radiation, a form of energy emitted by the sun, can cause various health problems, including damage to the skin and eyes.

According to a KSDMA advisory, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, skin disorders, eye ailments and other health issues. Urging the public to exercise caution, the advisory noted that UV radiation levels are typically highest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and advised people to avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight during these hours.

Those who work outdoors, including fishermen engaged in marine and inland fishing, water transport workers, bikers, tourists, and individuals with skin conditions, eye diseases, cancer, or low immunity, have been advised to remain particularly cautious.

Exposure to heat

In view of the rising heat, the KSDMA has also urged people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and to drink plenty of water even if they do not feel thirsty.

The advisory recommends avoiding dehydrating beverages such as alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated soft drinks during the daytime. Wearing loose, light-coloured cotton clothing is advised, along with using footwear when stepping outdoors and carrying an umbrella or wearing a hat. Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and drinks such as ‘sambaram’, can help minimise the impact of the rising heat, the advisory added.