Kerala is grappling with a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in Palakkad district, feeling as high as 50 degrees due to humidity. In the past five days, the state has reported one confirmed death from heatstroke and several snakebite incidents, particularly involving children. The Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has advised residents to avoid direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm and limit outdoor activities. The situation has been exacerbated by a 42% deficiency in rainfall since March 1, contributing to the extreme heat and prompting snakes to seek cooler areas near human habitation. Experts warn that the combination of high temperatures and snake breeding season increases the risk of encounters with venomous snakes. Health officials are conducting a death audit regarding the heatstroke case to confirm the cause of death officially.