Candidates for the ensuing Assembly election in the 16 constituencies of Palakkad will feel the heat, literally, with meteorologists predicting that daytime temperature will shoot up over 40 degrees Celsius in April and May. The district is known for its cruel summers, during which hundreds get affected with sunburns.

With most people preferring to stay indoors during the day to avoid direct exposure to heat, political parties are worried about the availability of full-time campaigners. Public meetings during the day will not get the required audience.

Though the summer is only about to set in, most parts of Palakkad are experiencing temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius at present. The escalating temperature has already taken a toll on the routine of residents. Roads are bare of people and vehicles by 11 a.m. Gatherings can be seen only after 6 p.m. Juice shops and tender coconut vendors make brisk business with weary motorists stopping by. According to experts at the Integrated Rural Technology Centre at Mundur here, weather conditions in the district will turn worse by the first week of April.

Candidates and their supporters will have to take shelter indoors at regular intervals. Areas such as Kozhinjampara, Muthalamada, and Chittur will witness heatwave-like situations. Bad weather conditions will also affect the turnout of voters on polling day.

“My advice is that candidates and campaigners should not venture into the sun at least between 12 noon and 3 p.m., and take a break. Moreover, they should mandatorily use umbrella and drink huge quantities of water to prevent sunburn and dehydration,” says P.B. Gujral of the Palakkad district hospital. “Candidates and campaigners should become early birds as far as the campaign is concerned,” he adds.