Mercury levels, UV index on the rise in Kerala

Kochi: Mercury levels in several parts of the state crossed 34-35°C as dry weather continues to prevail. Kottayam recorded the highest at 37 degrees, followed by Cial Kochi which saw 36.4. Meanwhile, Kannur airport recorded 36.2°C, Punalur 35.6 degrees, Vellanikkara recorded 35.3 and Thiruvananthapuram 34.6 degrees. The UV (ultraviolet) index was also high in some places. Konni, Chengannur and Munnar recorded a high UVI of 8, while several others, including Kottarakkara, Changanassery, Ollur, Thrithala and Mananthavady, recorded 7 UVI on Sunday. Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued a warning that continuous exposure to UV rays for a long time can cause sunburn, skin diseases, eye diseases, and other health problems. The highest UV index is recorded between 10am and 3pm. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight exposure to the body for a long time during those hours as much as possible. People who work outdoors, fishermen involved in sea and inland fishing, those involved in water transport, bikers, tourists, people with skin diseases, eye diseases, cancer patients, and other groups with weakened immune systems should be especially careful, KSDMA said. Meanwhile, IMD said that upper air cyclonic circulation over the east equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, persisted over the same region. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over central parts of the south Bay of Bengal and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean by Tuesday.