According to a press release, heatwave conditions are likely to affect isolated areas in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts on Thursday and Friday.
Maximum temperatures are expected to climb to around 41°C in Palakkad, 40°C in Kollam and Thrissur, and approximately 38°C in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode on April 23–24 – about 4–5°C above normal levels.
Other districts, including Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod, may record temperatures close to 37°C, while Thiruvananthapuram is likely to see around 36°C.
On April 25 and 26, temperatures are forecast to remain above normal, with Palakkad around 40°C, Kollam at 39°C, Thrissur and Kottayam at 38°C, and most other districts ranging between 36°C and 37°C.
The India Meteorological Department has also cautioned that hot and humid conditions will prevail across the state – except in hilly regions – from April 23 to 26.
In light of the situation, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued strict guidelines, particularly for the Education Department.
All vacation classes, camps, and similar student activities have been suspended during the warning period, including in private schools, the statement said.
Examination-related tasks, such as valuation, may continue only if adequate safeguards are in place, including proper ventilation, access to drinking water, and sanitation facilities.
Authorities have also directed that precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses be shared with students and parents through platforms like WhatsApp groups and the KITE Victers platform, while instructing officials to coordinate with district disaster management authorities.
In a Facebook post, he noted that temperatures have crossed 40°C in some regions, while high humidity levels are worsening discomfort in others.
Cautioning that extreme heat can cause serious health issues and even prove fatal, he advised people to avoid direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm, describing it as a “self-lockdown” period similar to measures followed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also urged residents to stay well-hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor work, and ensure adequate ventilation in homes and workplaces.
Wearing light, loose cotton clothing and using protective gear such as umbrellas and sunglasses were also recommended.
Emphasising preparedness, the Chief Minister added that working hours have been adjusted to reduce exposure during peak heat, and employment guarantee works have been suspended during the hottest part of the day.
He also stressed the need to provide drinking water and shade for animals, and urged local bodies, Kudumbashree units, and voluntary organisations to set up public drinking water facilities.
People showing symptoms of heatstroke have been advised to seek immediate medical care, while bystanders have been encouraged to help by moving affected individuals to shaded areas and assisting in cooling their bodies.
“Together, through collective effort, we can overcome this intense summer as well,” he said.