Turning Red With Violet?

'Heat wave' has become a common term in Kerala of late. However, this time, there is an added warning of high UV index. TNIE looks at what this means, and the precautions people need to take

- Krishna P S

EAT dominates conversations among Malayalis these days. And the term 'heat wave' has become part of common parlance, as the soaring temperature leaves people weary.

This summer, however, fear is not only about heat stroke. Another concern has emerged—UV or ultraviolet radiation.

In 2020, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) had launched a project to install UV readers across the state. Today, every district is equipped with these devices and the readings are accessible on public platforms.

"For UV levels, there is already a system in place to determine when they become hazardous. If the level crosses a threshold, an automatic alert is issued—red, orange, or yellow. For this, we do not require historical data analysis," explains a senior KSDMA official.

The World Health Organization's Ultraviolet Index is divided into five categories:

• 0-2: Low (green)
• 3-5: Moderate (yellow)
• 6-7: High (orange)
• 8-10: Very High (red)
• 11+: Extreme (violet)

On Monday, Kottarakkara (Kollam) and Munnar (Idukki) recorded worrying UV levels—both at 8. Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram recorded 5.

Notably, along with temperature readings, KSDMA has been listing UVI as well. As per WHO guidelines, sun protection is recommended when the UVI is 3 and above.

"The high readings are primarily due to a lack of cloud cover," explains Vijayakumar P, assistant professor at the department of environmental science, University of Kerala.