With most of India plagued by extreme heat, the weather service has predicted an unusually high number of hot days from April to June as the country holds parliamentary elections with low turnout.
Heatwaves are a rare occurrence in Kerala and data from the Indian Meteorological Service shows that the state recorded five days of heatwaves during April.
Referring to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the agency said yesterday that years during its duration typically bring more heat and humidity in Asia and heavy rainfall in parts of the US.
According to the same source, fewer storms and anticyclonic circulation near the southeast coast of India are causing heatwaves.
The local government in the state of Kerala announced today that it has called on citizens to reduce their exposure to the sun and authorities to take measures to avoid wildfires.
With several regions having issued heat warnings, the government has asked all educational institutions to remain closed until Monday.
Heatwaves have led to school closures in parts of Asia and North Africa as well, widening the learning gap between developing countries in the tropics and developed ones, experts told Reuters.
Local media reported that at least two people died earlier in the week in Kerala, but authorities have not yet confirmed whether those deaths were due to the extreme heat.
Today, the temperature in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, reached 35 degrees Celsius, but the meteorological department said that due to intense humidity, the felt temperature was 46 degrees Celsius.
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