Kerala heavy rain alert: IMD issues yellow warning for multiple districts over next 5 days
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to experience widespread rainfall and stormy weather over the next five days, as a severe weather system over the Bay of Bengal triggers heavy downpours across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts, warning of isolated heavy rain, severe lightning and strong surface winds.
Bay of Bengal weather system drives heavy rainfall in Kerala
The impending surge in rainfall across Kerala is being driven by a weather system over the Bay of Bengal. A depression currently positioned over the west-central and adjoining north-west Bay of Bengal is rapidly intensifying and is expected to develop into a Deep Depression within the next 12 hours.
Moving in a west-north-westerly direction, the deep depression is projected to cross the northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts, between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, between the night of September 23 and early morning on September 24, 2026.
Under its impact, Kerala will receive light to moderate rainfall state-wide from September 22 to 26, with heavy spells expected in several regions.
District-wise yellow alert map for Kerala (September 23–250)
The IMD classifies heavy rainfall as precipitation measuring between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours. Isolated heavy rain has prompted yellow alerts across Kerala on the following dates:
- September 23: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod.
- September 24: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
- September 25: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Thunderstorms, high winds and lightning warnings across Kerala
In addition to heavy downpours, isolated locations across Kerala are at risk of severe thunderstorms and lightning from September 22 to 25. Strong gusty winds with speeds reaching 30 to 40 km/h are also expected to accompany the rain. Residents in vulnerable, hilly or low-lying areas are urged to exercise caution and avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures during thunderstorm activity.
Fishermen warning: Ban issued for Kerala coast
Due to rough sea conditions and squally weather, the IMD has issued a strict prohibition for fishermen along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on September 23 and 24 2026.
Squally winds with speeds of 35 to 45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, alongside turbulent seas, are predicted off the Kerala coastline during this two-day period. Coastal communities and maritime workers are advised to strictly follow disaster management guidelines and refrain from venturing into the sea.