The heatwave in TN and Karnataka may affect Kerala, according to a climate expert
Due to the heatwave in neighboring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well as the continuing El Nino phenomenon, which is predicted to last until May, Kerala is projected to see temperatures that are above average. Although the state has not yet issued an official heatwave advisory, regions like Kannur, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Kollam that border Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are expected to see very hot temperatures.
Palakkad recorded 41.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, which is the highest temperature recorded in the state since 2016. For the last four days, the temperature in the Palakkad area has been above 40C.
Kerala will see conditions that are almost identical to a heatwave. The state would suffer as a result of the heatwave that is affecting Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Kerala has a higher humidity index, therefore even if the conditions aren’t met for a heatwave, there will still be heatwave-like conditions. IMD has forecast less summer rainfall this season, therefore the hot and unpleasant conditions will persist,” said M G Manoj, a scientist from Cusat’s Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR).
Up to March 19, some 60 heat-related incidents, including instances of sunstroke and sunburn, were registered in the state, according to official statistics. One government source said that there is a possible fatality in the Malappuram district.
A yellow advisory, issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for many districts in Kerala till April 12, warns of hot and unpleasant weather. In Palakkad, the temperature on Saturday was over 4.8 degrees higher than usual. Only when a comparable or greater fluctuation is recorded for two days in a row can a heatwave be officially proclaimed. The temperature on Sunday fell to 40.5C, according to a Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) meteorological specialist.
The KSDMA has been engaged in a number of initiatives to make Kerala more robust to excessive heat, including simulated drills, heat clinics, and comprehensive campaigns. However, the announcement of the Lok Sabha election and the model code of conduct have met with significant opposition.
“Elections are keeping all intermediary agencies very busy.” District collectors oversaw a number of initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s readiness. The response plan included significant lobbying, training for stakeholders at susceptible heat locations where temperatures are rising, and mock exercises. This is not taking place efficiently, according to a government source.
One of the main actions the state government took to address heat-related health incidents was to establish heat clinics. “The plan to establish heat clinics had been filed by the health department. However, it currently seems that approval of the project will wait until after the election. We won’t be ready for the important days ahead,” the person said.
The icy reality of a heatwave
A heatwave is defined by IMD as a maximum temperature of 40°C or higher for lowland areas, 37°C or higher for coastal stations, and 30°C or higher for mountainous areas. A heatwave is defined as a temperature rise of 4-5 degrees Celsius over normal, while a severe heatwave is defined as an increase of 6 degrees Celsius or more.
