Kerala: Owing to persistent heavy rainfall in the state, district collectors have declared a holiday for educational institutions across several Kerala districts on Thursday. The closure affects Kasaragod, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad, all of which are under weather alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Strong westerlies and widespread rainfall predicted

The IMD has predicted strong westerly winds across Kerala for the next five days. A well-marked low-pressure system currently lies over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast. According to the department, the system is moving northward and is likely to intensify into a depression.

Widespread rain is expected across the state during this period, with particularly intense showers likely on Thursday.