Kerala rain alerts: Heavy showers likely to continue; school, college holiday announcements expected
Several parts of Kerala continued to receive heavy rainfall on Friday, July 3, as the southwest monsoon remained active across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest bulletin issued at 1 pm on Friday, forecast widespread rainfall over the next five days and issued Orange and Yellow Alerts for several districts.
The current spell of rain is being driven by an offshore trough extending from south Gujarat to the Karnataka coast, which is expected to remain active over the next few days. Strong westerly winds over the region are also contributing to widespread showers across the state.
After recording a rainfall deficit earlier in the monsoon season, Kerala is now experiencing prolonged spells of moderate to heavy rain across many districts.
District-wise rain alerts
The IMD has issued district-specific warnings based on the expected intensity of rainfall.
Friday (July 3): An Orange Alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected.
A Yellow Alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where isolated heavy rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours is forecast. Thunderstorms with lightning are also expected.
Saturday (July 4): Yellow Alerts have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Sunday (July 5): Yellow Alerts remain in force for Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Monday (July 6): Yellow Alerts have been issued for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Tuesday (July 7): Yellow Alerts are in place for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
School holiday decisions
District administrations may announce holidays for schools and colleges in areas affected by heavy rainfall.
Any decision on school closures or changes to class schedules 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 from district collectors and educational institutions for updates on holidays and class timings.