Rohan Umak
Kerala heatwave news: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued an orange alert for parts of Kerala, as the state has been reeling under an intense heatwave. The mercury has shot well above seasonal averages, and humidity has compounded the discomfort.
As per the weather body, heatwave conditions are likely to persist in isolated areas of districts such as Thrissur, Palakkad and Kollam on Thursday and April 24, 2026. The temperature has been projected to touch 41°C in Palakkad and 40°C in Kollam, as well as Thrissur.
Kerala heatwave news: Predictions for other districts
Several other districts of the state, including Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Kozhikode are likely to post temperatures near 38°C, while Alappuzha, Kannur, Kasargod and Malappuram may experience highs of over 37°C. Meanwhile, the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be near 36°C. Going by the IMD’s forecasts, elevated temperatures will prevail through April 25 and April 26, and most regions will continue to experience scorching conditions, coupled with humidity, except for hilly areas.
KSDMA issues guidelines
Responding to the IMD’s orange alert, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has introduced strict guidelines, particularly for educational institutions. All vacation classes, student-related gatherings and caps have been directed to suspend activities during the warning period, including those in private schools.
However, key academic activities like exam valuation may resume, provided adequate safety measures such as proper ventilation, access to drinking water and sanitation are provided.
Kerala CM calls for ‘self-lockdown’ during peak hours
In light of the alert, Kerala Chief Minister (CM) Pinarayi Vijayan has appealed to the residents to exercise extreme caution. He warned that extreme heat and humidity could result in severe health complications, like heatstroke. He issued a public message on Facebook, advising people to avoid heading outdoors between 11 am and 3 pm, describing the period as akin to a ‘self-lockdown.’
He also recommended people to stay hydrated, wearing light cotton and cutting down on unnecessary travel or outdoor work. Meanwhile, working hours under employment schemes have also been rescheduled to reduce exposure to peak heat.
