Kerala heavy rain alert: IMD issues yellow alert in multiple districts till May 21
Kochi: The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh heavy rain alert for Kerala, placing multiple districts under Yellow Alert till May 21 as intense rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected across the state.
The latest Kerala weather update comes as the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive around May 26.
The IMD has warned of isolated heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours in several districts over the next few days. Gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph and lightning activity are also likely between May 19 and May 21.
Districts under yellow alert in Kerala:
May 19 Yellow Alert districts:
- Pathanamthitta
- Kottayam
- Idukki
- Malappuram
- Kozhikode
- Kannur
- Kasaragod
May 20 Yellow Alert districts:
- Alappuzha
- Ernakulam
- Thrissur
- Malappuram
May 21 Yellow Alert districts:
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Kollam
- Pathanamthitta
- Alappuzha
- Kottayam
- Idukki
- Ernakulam
The weather department said two trough systems extending across parts of India and nearby seas are influencing the current weather conditions, leading to widespread rain activity over Kerala and nearby regions.
According to the IMD, Kerala and Mahe are likely to receive isolated rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds over the next five days. The active weather systems over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are expected to intensify pre-monsoon conditions across south India.
The forecast has become significant as Kerala is expected to witness the onset of the southwest monsoon around May 26, though the date could vary by up to four days.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on May 19 and May 20 due to rough weather conditions.