ndicating a harsh, scorching summer ahead, the India Met Department (IMD) has forecast above normal temperatures in Kerala during the hot weather season from April to June 2016.
According to the seasonal outlook issued by the department on Thursday, temperatures in Kerala are likely to be above the long-term normal by one degree Celsius or more during the period.
Palakkad recorded the highest maximum temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius on Friday. Kannur registered a high of 37.8, Kozhikode 37.4, and Punalur 36.7. Summer showers brought relief to a few locations in the State. Punalur registered a rainfall of 1.4 cm and Alappuzha 3 mm. The Met centre here has forecast isolated rainfall in Kerala till April 3 and scattered rain over the next two days.
The IMD seasonal outlook says the mean, maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to show a departure from the long-term normal across the country as a whole over the next two months, with high probability of moderate and severe heat wave conditions in central and northwest India.
Observing that the strong El Nino conditions over the Pacific Ocean were continuing since 2015, it said the phenomenon was expected to weaken during the hot weather season. Citing recent research analysis, the forecast said the frequency and duration of heat waves in India were showing an increasing trend. It attributed the situation to the increase in greenhouse gases due to human activities and oceanic conditions over the equatorial Indian and pacific oceans.
The IMD has announced that it would issue heat wave alerts and warnings for every five days.
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Authority has secured clearance from the Election Commission to run a campaign on FM radio channels, highlighting the measures to be taken for water conservation and to ward off heat-related health issues during the next two months.
The campaign, in the form of snippets, will focus on reuse of water, steps to remain hydrated, and prevent sunburn and sunstroke. It is likely to be launched next week.
