Kerala on the Boil: Heatwave Threat Looms Over Three Districts

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is reeling under intense summer heat, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a warning of possible heatwave conditions in Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kollam, where an orange alert has been declared. Temperatures are expected to spike to 41°C in Palakkad and around 40°C in Thrissur and Kollam, while several other districts will also experience above-normal heat levels, ranging between 36°C and 38°C. The state, which rarely witnesses heatwaves, had last recorded such extreme conditions in 2016 and 2024. With temperatures likely to remain 3–4°C above average until April 26, authorities have taken precautionary steps, including declaring holidays for educational institutions in affected districts and suspending anganwadis, tuition centres, and vacation classes, though exams will proceed as scheduled. A slight relief may be on the horizon, as summer rains are expected to arrive from April 27, potentially easing the scorching conditions in the days ahead.