Kerala rain alert: Orange Alert in 12 districts; school, college holiday decisions only after review
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday (August 3) updated its five-day rainfall forecast for Kerala, placing 12 districts under an Orange Alert amid the likelihood of very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms.
The latest forecast is significant for commuters, travellers, students and parents, as persistent heavy rain could disrupt road travel and prompt local authorities to review the functioning of educational institutions in affected areas.
Orange Alert for 12 districts on Monday (August 3)
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Monday (August 3).
An Orange Alert indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall, which the IMD defines as 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rain within 24 hours at isolated places. Thunderstorms are also expected in affected areas.
Yellow Alerts continue on multiple days
Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam remain under a Yellow Alert on Monday (August 3), signalling the possibility of heavy rain.
The IMD has also issued Yellow Alerts for the following districts:
Tuesday (August 4): Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Thursday (August 6): Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Friday (August 7): Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
A Yellow Alert indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall, defined by the IMD as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain within 24 hours at isolated locations. Thunderstorms are also expected.
School and college holiday decisions
The forecast has increased the possibility of school and college holidays in districts experiencing heavy or very heavy rainfall.
However, any decision to suspend classes on Tuesday (August 4) or the following days will be taken by the respective district collectors or other competent authorities after assessing local weather conditions.
Students and parents have been advised to rely only on official announcements issued by district administrations and educational institutions for holiday declarations or changes to class schedules.
Cyclonic circulation, strong winds and sea conditions
According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation persists over south Tamil Nadu, while the offshore trough extending from the south Gujarat coast to the north Kerala coast has weakened.
Kerala is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall between August 3 and August 7, with isolated spells of heavy rain expected during the period.
The IMD has also warned of strong winds and rough weather over the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on August 3 and August 4. Wind speeds are expected to range between 40 kmph and 50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph at times.