Kerala rain: Several districts under red alert as heavy showers and winds continue

Kerala is bracing for another spell of heavy to intense rain on Friday, August 7, with several districts under short-term red and orange alerts based on the latest nowcast and radar observations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain in several parts of the state, while the latest radar-based assessment indicates that conditions could change rapidly through the day. Residents should therefore follow the latest official alerts rather than rely only on the longer-range district forecast.

Red alert conditions in latest three-hour nowcast

According to the nowcast issued at 7am on Friday, heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph is likely at isolated places in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The red alert in this nowcast is valid for the next three hours.

The latest impact-based forecast issued at 7.30am also identified Alappuzha and Kottayam for moderate to intense spells of rain, with gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph. A red alert was applicable to these districts for the following three hours.

These short-duration warnings are based on current radar imagery and may be revised as the weather system develops.

Orange alert for several districts

The 7am nowcast placed Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad under an orange alert for the next three hours.

Moderate rain is likely at isolated places in these districts, with maximum surface wind speeds potentially reaching 50 kmph.

The latest radar-based forecast separately placed Kannur and Kasaragod under an orange alert for the next three hours, with moderate to intense rain and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph possible.

The situation remains dynamic, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. District-level warnings can therefore be upgraded, downgraded or withdrawn depending on subsequent radar observations and weather developments.

Other districts may also receive rain

Light to moderate rain, along with maximum surface winds of up to 40 kmph, is very likely at isolated places in the remaining districts of Kerala, according to the 7am nowcast.

The possibility of strong, localised rain means conditions can vary significantly even between nearby areas. People travelling or working outdoors are advised to monitor updated warnings before setting out.

IMD forecast for August 7

The IMD's broader district forecast has an orange alert for Friday in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

An orange alert indicates the possibility of very heavy rainfall, defined by the weather department as 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rain in 24 hours at isolated places.

A yellow alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad on August 7. The IMD defines heavy rainfall under a yellow alert as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours at isolated places.

The broader forecast should be read alongside the latest short-term nowcasts, which provide more immediate information on where intense weather is developing.

Rain may trigger flooding and landslides

The weather department has warned that extremely heavy rain can produce large amounts of rainfall within a short period.

Such spells may lead to flash floods and strong flows in streams, while waterlogging is possible in urban and low-lying areas. Continued rain could also increase the possibility of landslides and landslips, particularly in vulnerable locations.

The latest impact-based forecast warns of waterlogging on major roads and reduced visibility, which could result in traffic congestion.

Flooding is also possible in low-lying areas and near riverbanks.

Strong winds may uproot trees and cause damage to power infrastructure. Partial damage to houses and huts is also possible in affected areas.

Coastal areas face high-wave threat

A separate warning has been issued over the possibility of coastal flooding and wave action linked to the Kallakkadal phenomenon.

According to the National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Thiruvananthapuram coast from Kappil to Pozhiyoor and Kollam coast from Alappad to Edava could experience high waves of 1.1 to 1.5 metres and coastal inundation until 11.30am on August 7.

For the Alappuzha coast, from Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty, the warning remains in force until 5.30pm on Friday.

People in coastal areas should exercise caution, particularly near vulnerable stretches and structures exposed to wave action.

Traffic and outdoor movement need caution

The latest impact-based forecast has warned of poor visibility and waterlogging on major roads, potentially affecting traffic movement.

Authorities have been advised to regulate traffic effectively where required. Non-essential movement may also be restricted in affected areas, with people advised to remain in safe locations.

The possibility of fallen trees, flooding, landslides and strong winds means motorists should exercise additional caution during intense spells.

August 8 forecast

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for August 8 in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

This indicates the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall, with rainfall totals of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

However, the alert situation for the coming hours and days remains subject to change. Rainfall distribution can shift quickly, and short-term nowcasts based on radar observations may differ from the broader multi-day district forecast.

Residents should check the latest IMD and Kerala weather department updates, particularly before travelling or entering areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides or coastal inundation.