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Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Urges 'Self-Lockdown' Amid Severe Heatwave Alert

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has advised the public to observe a "self-lockdown" from 11 am to 3 pm due to a severe heatwave. The IMD issued a heatwave warning for Palakkad, Kollam, and Thrissur districts where temperatures have exceeded 40°C. High humidity is intensifying the heat across other districts as well. The weather department also predicts thunderstorms and gusty winds in several southern states until April 27.

Key Points: Kerala CM Calls for 'Self-Lockdown' Amid Heatwave Alert

  • CM advises self-lockdown from 11 am-3 pm
  • IMD issues heatwave warning for Palakkad, Kollam, Thrissur
  • Temperatures soar above 40°C with high humidity
  • Thunderstorms and gusty winds forecast for Kerala, Karnataka
2 min read

Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan calls for 'self-lockdown' due to severe heatwave alert in state

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan advises public to avoid going out from 11 am to 3 pm as IMD issues heatwave warnings for Palakkad, Kollam, and Thrissur.

"People should treat this period as a 'self-lockdown,' reminiscent of the COVID-19 phase - Pinarayi Vijayan"

Thiruvananthapuram, April 24

Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday advised the public to avoid stepping out between 11 am and 3 pm amid rising temperatures across the State.

Urging extreme caution, the Chief Minister suggested that people should treat this period as a "self-lockdown," reminiscent of the COVID-19 phase, and refrain from unnecessary travel and outdoor work.

The advisory comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially issued a heatwave warning for Palakkad, Kollam, and Thrissur districts, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. Due to high humidity levels, the heat is being felt intensely in other districts as well, prompting the Chief Minister's call for heightened vigilance to ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, the IMD earlier warned of heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of Keralam on April 23 and 24. Additionally, "hot and humid" weather is very likely to prevail in isolated areas of Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Coastal Karnataka through April 27.

The IMD advises the public in these regions to avoid heat exposure, stay hydrated, and use ORS or homemade drinks like lassi and buttermilk to maintain health.

The weather department predicted isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with speeds reaching 30-50 kmph, for Keralam, Mahe, and Karnataka from April 23 to 27.

Similar weather is expected in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam until April 25, while Rayalaseema and Telangana are likely to see these conditions on April 23 and 24. Furthermore, the IMD has issued lightning warnings for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal for the first 48 hours of the forecast period.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Coming from Canada, this "self-lockdown" concept seems extreme but after experiencing a Kerala summer firsthand last year, I totally get it. The humidity makes 35°C feel like 45°C. Good on the CM for being proactive instead of reactive.
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Arjun K
T20 World Cup season aayath kond manasinu oru aashwasam! But seriously, this heat is no joke. My father works in construction and they've already shifted to early morning shifts. Government should also consider providing free ORS packets at bus stands and public places. Self-lockdown is good advice but practical support matters too.
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Priya S
I appreciate the CM using the term "self-lockdown" - it really drives home how serious this is. But what about people who absolutely must work outdoors because of their daily wage jobs? We need more than just advice. Maybe relief centers with cool water and shade in every panchayat? Still, good first step 👏
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Vikram M
Smart move by Pinarayi ji. Keralam has always been progressive on public health issues. Remember how well we handled Nipah? Now this heatwave warning is equally important. People should follow IMD advice and stay hydrated. Lassi and buttermilk are our traditional heat-beaters! 🥤
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James A
Reminds me of how we used to do "siesta" in Spain. Smart adaptation to climate reality. But can someone explain why we're getting 40°C in April in Kerala? This is supposed to be the land of monsoon and moderate temperatures. Climate change is real and it's here.

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