Kerala rain forecast: Select districts on yellow alert as heavy showers expected till Tuesday

Kerala is set for another spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing yellow alerts in several districts from Sunday to Tuesday.

The weather warning comes as widespread rainfall is expected across much of the state from Saturday (October 3) to Tuesday (October 6). The rain is likely to ease temporarily into scattered showers during the middle of the week.

Yellow alerts across districts

According to IMD weather bulletins issued on Saturday, October 3, heavy rain is expected in different parts of Kerala over the next three days.

On Sunday (October 4), Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam will be under yellow alert.

The warning will shift on Monday (October 5), when Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Malappuram are expected to receive heavy rain. On Tuesday (October 6), Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad will be under the yellow alert.

The IMD uses a yellow alert to indicate the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

Cyclonic circulations bring more moisture

The active weather is linked to several cyclonic circulations over the surrounding seas, according to meteorological information.

A cyclonic circulation in the lower troposphere is present over the Southeast Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep and the Comorin area. Another circulation is located over the Westcentral Arabian Sea.

These systems are contributing to increased moisture over the southern peninsula, supporting the development of rain-bearing clouds over Kerala.

The weather activity comes even as the Southwest Monsoon has been retreating from northern and central parts of India.

Thunderstorms, strong winds expected

The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by squally winds across Kerala until October 6.

Wind speeds could reach up to 40 kmph, with gusts touching 50 kmph during these weather conditions.

The conditions have prompted warnings for people in coastal areas as well. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala coast, Lakshadweep, Maldives and Comorin areas on Saturday.

Farmers have also been advised to take precautions against excess rain. Agricultural experts have recommended postponing irrigation and making arrangements to drain accumulated water from crop fields.

After a brief reduction in rainfall activity on Wednesday and Thursday, widespread rain is forecast to return to Kerala on Friday (October 9).