Heavy rain returns to Kerala: IMD issues orange alert for 4 districts, yellow warning across state
Kerala weather today: The southwest monsoon has regained strength over Kerala, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue Orange Alerts in four northern districts and rain warnings across the state over the coming days. With heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert.
According to the latest IMD weather forecast, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are under an Orange Alert on June 28, while Kannur and Kasaragod remain under Orange Alert on June 29. The warning indicates the possibility of isolated locations receiving very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours.
The latest forecast suggests that the monsoon system is becoming more active along Kerala's coast and hilly regions, increasing the risk of waterlogging, flash floods, landslides and overflowing rivers, particularly in northern districts.
Rain alert across Kerala: All districts under weather watch
While Orange Alerts have been restricted to a few districts, almost the entire state remains under a weather warning as the IMD has issued Yellow Alerts for multiple districts through July 1.
Yellow alert districts
June 28: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.
June 29: Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.
June 30: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
July 1: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
A Yellow Alert signifies the likelihood of isolated heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Gusty winds expected across Kerala
In addition to rain, the weather department has warned of moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph at isolated locations in all 14 districts of Kerala. Residents have been advised to exercise caution, especially in areas prone to falling trees, damaged electric poles and temporary structures vulnerable to strong winds.
Landslide and flood risk areas under watch
Authorities have asked people living in landslide-prone, hilly and flood-vulnerable regions to closely monitor official updates and be prepared to relocate if instructed.
Residents along riverbanks, downstream areas of dams and regions with a history of flash floods have been advised to remain vigilant as rainfall intensity is expected to increase during the next few days.
Disaster management officials have also urged local residents to verify the availability of relief camps in their respective areas and shift to safer locations during daylight hours if conditions worsen.