The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a five-day rainfall forecast for Kerala on Thursday, 8 October. According to the advisory, several districts across the state have been placed under a yellow alert due to expected isolated heavy downpours. The meteorological department defines heavy rainfall as precipitation measuring between 64.5 millimetres and 115.5 millimetres within a 24-hour period.

District weather timeline outlines three days of severe rain warnings

The weather department's district-wise forecast sets out specific alert zones over the coming days:

  • Thursday, 8 October: Yellow alerts are active in seven districts, comprising Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram.
  • Friday, 9 October: Heavy rainfall risk expands to nine districts, including Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
  • Saturday, 10 October: Rain alerts narrow down to four districts, namely Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

Official directives needed before declaring school and college closures

The heavy rain forecast could lead to holidays for schools and colleges in affected districts. However, authorities have clarified that a yellow alert does not automatically result in the closure of educational institutions.

Any decision to declare a holiday on Friday, 9 October, will depend strictly on local weather developments. Such closures must be formally announced through an official order issued by the district collector or another competent authority. Students, parents, and guardians are advised to rely solely on official communications from district administrations and educational institutions rather than unverified messages on social media.