Mid-February heat advisory and yellow alert for four districts of Kerala
Even though it is only February, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has already issued the year’s first heat warning due to temperatures reaching previously unheard-of heights in the run-up to summer.
Four districts: Kannur, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Kozhikode have received a yellow notice from the KSDMA for Saturday due to the likelihood of three to four degrees above average temperatures. Kottayam may reach 37 degrees Celsius, while Kannur is expected to have a high temperature of around 38 degrees. For Kozhikode and Alappuzha, the comparable forecast is 36 degrees Celsius.
A KSDMA official reports that automated weather stations have shown an increase in temperature in almost every area. “Winter is still going strong, with morning temperatures in some areas falling and midday highs in others. Heat advisories have to be issued for every district since the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is not utilizing the automated weather station data, which is much higher, the official said.
The KSDMA has suggested that heat clinics be established around the state in light of the rising mercury levels even before summer arrives. Facilities that are conveniently accessible during crises need to be built up, a KSDMA official told TNIE.
“We have suggested that the government initiate heat clinics as a trial during Attukal Pongala, which is scheduled for February 25. A strategy for this will need to be developed by the health department. A mechanism must be in place to handle situations like this. Temporary setup of heat clinics in susceptible locations is possible,” the official said. Authorities from the KSDMA report that this year’s summer would probably be severe since the monsoon season saw less rainfall than usual. “We have notified the government about our heat action plan, as it requires cross-departmental agreement to be implemented,” the official said.
ACTION TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF DISCOMFORT
Go indoors or to somewhere cooler.
Take off your clothes
Drink some water.
Seek medical attention if things don’t get better.
WAYS TO REDUCE THE HEAT
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, continue to sip on clean water.
Steer clear of fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, and alcohol throughout the day.
There were always light-colored, loose-fitting garments
Wear a hat or an umbrella while you’re outside in the sun.
Examinees should have access to safe drinking water at educational establishments.
The most susceptible groups, such as the elderly, expectant mothers, kids, persons with disabilities, and those with health conditions, should absolutely avoid sunlight between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
When transporting meals on two wheels, drivers should exercise care and use safety gear from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
