Heavy rain to batter Kerala; school, college holidays expected in select districts on Thursday
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow rain alerts across several districts in Kerala, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next few days. The forecast, issued on Wednesday (July 8), is subject to revision as weather systems remain dynamic.
An offshore trough extending from the south Gujarat coast to the central Kerala coast remains active over the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, a well-marked low-pressure area persists over north-west Madhya Pradesh and adjoining south-west Uttar Pradesh. The system is expected to move north-northwest for a short period before recurving towards the northeast.
Orange and yellow alerts across Kerala
The IMD has placed Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod under an orange alert for Wednesday (July 8).
The alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall, with isolated locations expected to receive between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm of rain within 24 hours. Thunderstorms are also likely.
A yellow alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam on July 8, and for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Thursday (July 9).
The yellow alert signifies the possibility of heavy rainfall, with isolated areas expected to receive 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain within 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms.
Strong winds and widespread rain likely
The IMD has also warned of strong winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places across Kerala on July 8 and July 9.
From July 8 to July 12, Kerala and Mahe are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall. Isolated places may witness heavy to very heavy rain on July 8, while heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations on July 8 and July 9.
In some areas, wind speeds may reach 50-60 kmph, according to the latest forecast.
It may be noted that the weather system is dynamic and IMD’s forecast may be revised in the coming hours.
School holidays to depend on district-wise weather
District administrations may announce holidays for schools and colleges in areas affected by heavy rainfall on Thursday (July 9).
The decision will be taken by the respective district authorities based on local weather conditions. Students and parents have been advised to rely only on official announcements issued by district collectors and educational institutions for updates on school holidays and class timings.