Munnar, a popular hill station in the Idukki district, has been placed under a high UV alert as the ultraviolet index has reached dangerous levels. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, a UV index of 8 was recorded, prompting District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt to issue the warning. The Tourism department and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) are now tasked with formally notifying visitors. Public advisories include avoiding direct sunlight and covering skin when outdoors.
The repeated issuance of UV alerts across Kerala, particularly in areas like Munnar, signifies a sustained pattern of elevated ultraviolet radiation, necessitating ongoing public awareness and protective measures.
Sustained Exposure Concerns
The situation in Munnar is not an isolated incident. On February 26, 2026, both Munnar and Konni (Pathanamthitta) were under an orange alert due to a recorded UV index of 8. This classification, according to standard definitions, indicates a very high level of UV exposure. A UV index of 6-7 triggers a yellow alert, while readings above 11 result in a red alert.
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Multiple districts have seen varied alert levels in recent months:
Orange Alert: Recorded at a UV index of 8-10. This has been issued for Munnar and Konni (Feb 26, 2026), and Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Malappuram (Mar 20, 2025).
Yellow Alert: Indicates moderate to high radiation, with UV index values of 6-7. This has been observed in numerous districts including Kottarakkara, Chengannur, Changanassery, Ollur, Thrithala, Ponnani, Beypore, and Mananthavady (Feb 26, 2026), as well as Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad (Mar 20, 2025).
Broader Regional Impact and Risks
Beyond specific localities, Kerala as a whole has been experiencing a surge in UV radiation levels, often coinciding with rising temperatures. As of April 15, 2026, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) urged the public to adopt precautions. This includes carrying drinking water, conserving water, and providing for animals and birds.
Health authorities caution that prolonged exposure to these intense UV rays can lead to immediate effects such as sunburn, and over time, contribute to skin damage, eye disorders, and other long-term health complications.
Environmental Factors
Experts note that UV intensity is particularly pronounced in mountainous and tropical regions like Munnar. The UV index can escalate rapidly even under clear skies. Surfaces such as sand and bodies of water can further amplify the UV index through the reflection of these invisible, high-energy rays.
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Protective Measures Advised
Key recommendations to mitigate risks include:
Avoiding peak UV hours: Limiting direct sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when UV rays are most potent.
Skin and eye protection: Covering the face and body, and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.
Historical Context
While the most recent alert for Munnar was issued on April 25, 2026, concerns about high UV levels have been ongoing. Reports from March 20, 2025, indicated a red alert for Idukki and Kollam districts, with UV indexes exceeding 11. The KSDMA has consistently issued warnings and advisories to manage the risks associated with these environmental conditions.
