Kerala is reeling under intense heat, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heatwave (orange alert) and abnormally high temperatures (yellow alert) across the state from April 24 to 26.

Heatwave is likely at isolated places in Palakkad and Thrissur on Friday. Temperatures are expected to peak at around 41°C in Palakkad, 40°C in Thrissur, and 39°C in Kollam. Several other districts — including Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Kozhikode — may record up to 38°C, while Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod could see around 37°C, and Thiruvananthapuram about 36°C. These levels are 4 to 5°C above normal.

The intense heat is expected to continue on April 25 and 26, with Palakkad likely to touch 40°C, Kollam 39°C, Thrissur and Kottayam 38°C, and most other districts around 37°C, while Thiruvananthapuram remains near 36°C — 3 to 4°C above normal.

The IMD has warned that temperatures may exceed the 98th percentile of climatological values at a few places during this period. Hot and humid conditions are likely across most districts, except hilly regions.

In response, authorities declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, in Kollam and Thrissur on Friday. Online classes may be held in Thrissur if required, while scheduled examinations will continue; in Kollam, public exams and interviews are excluded from the order.

In Palakkad, where temperatures have already reached 40°C, physical classes in schools, colleges and coaching centres have been suspended since April 20.

The Women and Child Development Department has also halted preschool activities at Anganwadis statewide for a week due to the heat, though other services continue and supplementary nutrition is being delivered to children at home.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has warned that high humidity is intensifying the heat and urged caution. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has advised strict safety measures, highlighting increased risk for vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and people exposed to prolonged outdoor work.

The IMD noted that a heatwave is officially declared only if such conditions persist for at least two consecutive days. Meanwhile, isolated rain or thundershowers are likely across the state until April 29, which may bring some relief.