Several parts of Kerala are receiving moderate to heavy rain on Thursday, August 13, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast and issued yellow alerts in eight districts.

The latest forecast, issued at 1pm on August 13, indicates a possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in several parts of the state today and tomorrow.

Rain is expected to remain fairly widespread to widespread across Kerala in the coming days, with some districts likely to receive heavier spells.

Yellow alert in eight districts today

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for eight districts on Thursday, August 13.

The districts under alert are Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The weather office has forecast the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall in these districts. A yellow alert indicates the possibility of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm of rain in 24 hours.

The latest warning comes as rain continues in several parts of Kerala, following the IMD's earlier warning on Wednesday about intensified spells in select districts.

Six districts under yellow alert on Friday

The weather situation is expected to continue into Friday, August 14, with the IMD issuing a yellow alert for six districts.

The districts are Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur.

Isolated heavy rainfall has been forecast in these areas. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to remain alert as weather conditions can change quickly during heavy rain.

The revised forecast indicates that the focus of heavy rainfall could shift across districts between Thursday and Friday.

What the yellow alert means

The IMD uses a yellow alert when there is a possibility of heavy rainfall, with expected rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

People in the affected areas should closely monitor weather updates, particularly when rainfall becomes intense.

The weather office has also advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms because of the risk of lightning.

School, Collge holiday decisions 

Rain and adverse weather conditions could affect schools and colleges in districts experiencing heavy or very heavy rainfall. Educational institutions may remain closed on Friday, August 14, depending on local weather conditions and decisions taken by district authorities.

Students and parents should therefore rely on official announcements from district administrations and their respective educational institutions rather than unverified messages.
Advisory 

Tourism and activities near water bodies should also be regulated during periods of adverse weather.

Farmers have been advised to take precautions against waterlogging and damage from strong winds and heavy rain.

Proper drainage should be maintained in paddy fields, arecanut plantations and ginger fields to prevent excess water from accumulating.

Banana plants and other vulnerable fruit trees should be given additional mechanical support or staking where necessary to reduce the risk of uprooting or toppling.

Livestock should be moved to safe sheds and kept indoors during periods of particularly heavy rainfall.