Northeast monsoon nears Kerala: IMD forecasts widespread rain and alerts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the northeast monsoon is set to arrive in Kerala soon, with its onset likely to be confirmed within the next two days. Widespread rainfall is expected across the state, with isolated heavy showers forecast in some areas until October 20.

A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Arabian Sea, near the Kerala and south Karnataka coasts, by October 19. Although the system may intensify, it is expected to move away from the Kerala coast. Strong winds are also likely during this period.

Fishing has been banned along the coasts of Karnataka, Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu from October 17 to 20 as a precautionary measure.

Yellow alert

Wednesday (October 15): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam

Thursday (October 16) and Friday (October 17): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur

Saturday (October 18): Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad