Publication

Abstract : Kerala, well known for its tropical climate, is now burning out with heat waves due to climate change. The occurrence of heatwaves is intensifying each year, and the impacts are affecting the population through many sectors like health, occupation, diseases, education, outdoor activities, ecosystem, biodiversity, etc. Mortality associated with heat waves is increasing, and extreme heat events are now becoming life-threatening. The temperature recorded in different districts of Kerala has already reached 40℃ in February 2025, even before the summer season started. The highest temperature recorded in Palakkad is 41.9℃ in April 2016, then 41.8℃ in April 2024, and the year 2024 is the warmest year of Kerala. A total of 5 deaths were confirmed due to heatstroke in Kerala in 2016, 2024, and 2025. Still, heatwave events are not taken seriously into consideration as other extreme weather events like floods, heavy rainfall, landslides, etc. The percentage of articles covering the heatwaves is so low across the country. So, this paper reviews the heatwave trends due to climate change in Kerala by critically analyzing the published works and government reports. Here, we evaluate the adaptation strategies and policy frameworks adopted for the extreme heat wave events and the urgency in implementing Kerala-specific action plans for unprecedented climate variations.