Heavy rain likely in Kerala; yellow alert in six districts, thunderstorm warning issued

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across the state, issuing a yellow alert in six districts. The department indicated that summer showers are expected to intensify in the coming days.

The districts placed under alert are Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. These regions are likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall, according to the forecast.

Reports suggest that the wet spell will continue for the next four days. The IMD also noted that southern Kerala is likely to receive more intense rainfall by Saturday.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning have been predicted, prompting authorities to urge the public to strictly follow lightning safety guidelines.

Kerala has already been experiencing steady summer rains, which have brought relief from the heat and contributed to reduced electricity consumption across the state.

Heatwave to persist in north TN, rain likely in southern districts

Chennai: With heatwave conditions likely to persist in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu, the IMD on Wednesday predicted heavy rains in parts of the south and west.

A bulletin from the weather department in Chennai said maximum temperatures will remain above normal by 2 degrees Celsius at several places across the state and near normal elsewhere in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

With the onset of 'Agni Natchathiram' from May 4, temperatures in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Madurai and Thanjavur are expected to stay about two degrees Celsius above normal.

According to the data, Vellore recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 39.8 degrees Celsius, while Kodaikanal recorded the lowest minimum at 11.8 degree celcius.

The IMD forecast heavy rain from Thursday in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukottai districts and Karaikal region.

Rainfall has already begun to intensify, with the Tiruchirappalli district recording 10 cm and Tiruvarur 6 cm over the last 24 hours