Understanding the Heatwave Alert in Kerala: What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What areas in Kerala are under a heatwave alert?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Thrissur, predicting temperatures to reach 40°C. Additionally, Kollam and Palakkad are expected to experience temperatures hitting 39°C in the coming five days.

2. What are the criteria for declaring a heatwave?

A heatwave is declared when temperatures rise at least 4.5°C above the normal seasonal average. Coastal regions require a maximum temperature of greater than or equal to 37°C to meet this criterion.

3. Has a heatwave been officially declared in Thrissur?

Despite meeting the technical criteria for a heatwave, the IMD has not yet officially declared a heatwave in Thrissur, as they await further data from coastal meteorological observatories.

4. Why are all IMD meteorological observatories considered coastal?

All IMD meteorological observatories are classified as coastal due to their elevation being less than 100 metres. This elevation impacts the criteria for heatwave declarations.

5. What is the forecast for summer rain in Kerala?

No significant summer rain is forecasted for the next seven days in Kerala, indicating that high temperatures are likely to persist.

6. Which regions in Kerala are expected to be the hottest in March?

Based on IMD records, Vellanikkara in Thrissur, Punalur in Kollam, and Palakkad are projected to be the hottest regions in Kerala during March.