Kerala Heatwave Intensifies: Three Hospitalized with Sunstroke in Palakkad and Idukki
As scorching heat conditions continue to grip Kerala, three people were hospitalized with severe sunburn in separate incidents across Palakkad and Idukki districts on Wednesday. The incidents highlight the dangerous impact of the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures reaching alarming highs across the state.
Palakkad District Incidents
In Palakkad district, two individuals suffered burn injuries due to prolonged sun exposure. Unnikrishnan, a 47-year-old newspaper agent from Karippode in Chittur, sustained injuries while standing in an open area. He was admitted to the Vadavannur family health centre for primary treatment and observation before being discharged.
In another case, Sharafuddeen, a bakery owner from Kulappulli near Shoranur, experienced sunburn while standing outside his shop. He received medical attention at the Vaniyamkulam primary health centre.
Idukki District Incident
Meanwhile, in Idukki district, a worker named Saji, aged 54 from Paruthivila House in Chemmannu, Elappara, suffered severe burning on his shoulder while loading timber onto a truck at Vakkakkad. He was admitted to a private hospital in Elappara, where doctors confirmed his condition as sunstroke. Saji was later discharged after receiving necessary medical care.
Health Authorities Issue Stern Warnings
Health officials have raised alarms about heatwave-like conditions prevailing in Palakkad district. They have specifically advised vulnerable populations—including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with comorbidities—to avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Officials have also cautioned against leaving children and elderly persons unattended inside parked vehicles, citing serious health risks. In Idukki, the health department has urged those engaged in outdoor work to take essential precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The heatwave has pushed temperatures to unprecedented levels. On Wednesday, Palakkad recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1°C, marking the highest temperature in the district over the past two years. This reading represents a significant departure of 4.7°C from the normal temperature for this time of year.
Similarly, Kollam reported a maximum temperature of 39.8°C, also reflecting a 4.7°C departure from normal. Historical data shows that the highest temperature ever recorded in Kerala was 41.9°C in Palakkad back in 2016. The district had previously reported 41.4°C in 2024 and 41.1°C in 2019.
IMD Issues Yellow Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for hot and humid weather conditions, which are very likely to persist over Kerala until Friday. According to forecasts:
- Palakkad is expected to experience maximum temperatures around 40°C at isolated locations.
- Kollam and Kottayam may see temperatures ranging between 30°C and 38°C.
- All districts except Idukki and Wayanad are likely to witness maximum temperatures hovering 3-4°C above normal until Friday.
Additionally, the IMD predicts that rain or thundershowers are most likely to occur at one or two places in the state until April 28. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are very likely at one or two locations in Kerala on April 23 and 26.
The combination of extreme heat and potential thunderstorms underscores the volatile weather patterns affecting Kerala, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines.
