Kerala rain warning: Yellow alert sounded as sky opens up across districts
Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread light-to-moderate rainfall across Kerala from September 18 to 22, 2026, with isolated heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected until September 20.
A yellow alert indicating isolated heavy rainfall, ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours, has been issued for several districts over the next three days.
Yellow alert schedule
- September 18: Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki
- September 19: Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode
- September 20: Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam
Cyclonic circulations and trough trigger rainfall
Atmospheric conditions over the region remain highly active due to multiple weather systems.
Trough line: A trough extends from Marathwada to the South-East Arabian Sea across Kerala and Karnataka, directly fueling moisture and unstable weather over the state.
Active cyclonic circulations: Cyclonic circulations persist over Northern Gujarat and Northern Tamil Nadu.
New low-pressure formation: A cyclonic circulation over Northern Thailand is projected to enter the Northern Andaman Sea by the evening of September 18. It is expected to intensify into a Low-Pressure Area by the evening of September 19, subsequently moving west-northwestward towards the South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh coasts over the following 3–4 days.
In addition, conditions are turning favourable for the gradual withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from parts of Western Rajasthan around September 19. Residents across Kerala are advised to remain vigilant against localised squalls and lightning strikes through September 20.