New Delhi

Summer in India is making a grand return with the expectation of breaking all records of the previous year. In the southern state of Kerala, all schools and colleges are closed till Monday due to a rare heatwave. In other parts of India as well, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued several alerts in the wake of persistent heat wave conditions.

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The Gangetic Plain region of India is not new to heat waves, but heat waves in the coastal state of Kerala are very rare. Data from the IMD shows that the state recorded five heat wave days in April alone.

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On Wednesday, the Met Department said the current El Nino weather pattern was a major cause of the soaring high temperatures in parts of India.

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Fewer thunderstorms and an anti-cyclonic circulation near India's southeastern coast are some other reasons listed by IMD for causing heat waves. 

Schools, colleges shut in Kerala due to scorching temperatures 

The state government of Kerala on Thursday (May 2) announced measures to tackle the rising temperatures in the state. All educational institutions including professional colleges will remain closed till Monday, said the Kerala Disaster Management Authority. 

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The state disaster management body, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also advised schools to reschedule classes from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on other days. 

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Local media reported that at least two people died earlier this week in Kerala, but authorities are yet to confirm if their death was due to extreme heat.

The forest department of the state is also bracing to avoid any wildfires during summer.

The department is also directed to follow strict guidelines to protect livestock and wildlife from heatstroke. 

On Thursday, the temperature in state capital Thiruvananthapuram touched 35 degrees Celsius but the IMD said it felt like 46 due to high humidity.

IMD issues heatwave warnings in several states

The IMD also issued a warning of heatwave conditions in other regions including Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.

These regions are expected to see heatwave conditions until May 6.

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Jharkhand is also expected to witness heat wave to severe heat wave conditions today. Though its intensity will dip from tomorrow, heat wave conditions will continue till May 4.

West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra are also likely to witness heat wave conditions on May 5, as per the IMD forecast.

(With inputs from agencies)