Brace for more sizzling temperatures

KOZHIKODE: With Kozhikode recording the highest temperature ever in recent history followed by Kannur, the Indian Meteorological Department says the condition is set to become worse by the middle of March.

Health officials are warning against overexposure to sun, after three plantation workers in Wayanad suffered sunstroke.  (Temperature in Wayanad last week: Feb 18- 30.5, 19- 31, 20-31.2, 21- 32.1, 22 - 31.8, 23- 32.5, 24-33 and 25-33.5)

The Regional Agriculture Research station in Ambalavayal, Wayanad, registered the highest temperature (33.5 degree Celsius) of the last 10 years in the month of February. The highest registered temperature in 2015 was on March 21 (33.5).

Kozhikode marked 37.6 degree celcius in the last week and the monthly average would be higher in March, says Indian Meteorological Department director K.S. Santhosh.

“An unusual warming of the Pacific Ocean, El Nino, has caused the heat wave being experienced in Kerala now. Drier air, less rain, clear sky and direct solar radiation are the main reasons for this unusual heat.  The effect of the Northerly winds in Central India have also increased the temperature in the northern districts,” he said.   

District Medical Officer R L Saritha warned workers, especially, those in the construction sector to be extra careful. “Avoid wearing black clothes, especially tight ones. The high risk groups are pregnant women, elderly people and those working outside. They have to arrange their working hours accordingly. Reduce the consumption of alcohol. If you notice any burns, red patches on your
skin, consult a doctor immediately.”

In Malappuram, Ground water department district officer Upendran said that there would not be much change in the groundwater level. The condition will be back to normal once there was intermittent rain, he said.