Monsoon in Kerala: Orange alert issued for 8 districts; thunderstorm warning released
Thiruvananthapuram: The Southwest Monsoon is expected to hit Kerala on Thursday, June 4, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Alongside its arrival, the monsoon is also expected to advance further into the Southwest and Southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, and multiple regions across the Bay of Bengal.
A cyclonic circulation previously positioned near the southern Kerala coast has now shifted to the East-Central Arabian Sea and the adjoining Karnataka coast, while another remains active over the North Andaman Sea.
Widespread heavy rainfall and wind warnings
The IMD has predicted widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across Kerala and Mahe through June 7. The weather department has specifically warned that isolated places across Kerala could experience strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 km/h from June 5 to June 7.
As a result, a series of weather alerts have been issued, including an orange alert for eight districts experiencing intense downpours on Thursday.
Orange alert schedule
An orange alert indicates isolated very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours).
- June 4 (Today): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur
- June 5: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod
- June 6: Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod
- June 7: Kannur and Kasaragod
Yellow alert schedule
A yellow alert signifies isolated heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours) accompanied by thunderstorms.
- June 4 (Today): Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod
- June 5: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam
- June 6: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram
- June 7: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad
Public safety guidelines to face strong winds
Strong winds are a state-specific disaster that cause the highest number of damages and loss of lives in Kerala. There is a high risk of accidents occurring during strong winds due to trees being uprooted and branches breaking and falling down.
- Stay indoors during peak wind and thunderstorm activity.
- Avoid parking vehicles or standing under trees, old buildings, or unstable structures.
- Secure loose outdoor items (like roof sheets or banners) that could fly away and cause injury.
- Watch out for snapped power lines and report them immediately to the electricity board.