The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow rain alerts across Kerala over the next few days, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts.

The forecast, issued on Thursday (July 30), suggests wet weather will continue until Saturday (August 2), with some areas likely to receive intense spells of rain. The IMD has advised people to remain alert as the weather could affect daily travel and other outdoor activities.

District administrations may also announce rain-related holidays for schools and colleges on Friday (July 31) or on subsequent days if conditions worsen.

Orange, yellow alerts

The IMD has issued an orange alert, indicating the possibility of isolated very heavy rainfall, in the following districts:

Thursday (July 30): Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.

Friday (July 31): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Saturday (August 1): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

According to the IMD, very heavy rainfall means 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm of rain within 24 hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected.

The department has also issued yellow alerts, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall, for:

Thursday (July 30): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kasaragod.

Friday (July 31): Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram.

Saturday (August 1): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kannur and Kasaragod.

Sunday (August 2): Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The IMD defines heavy rainfall as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely during this period.

School holidays and travel plans

People planning to travel across Kerala, especially to hilly districts and areas that usually receive heavy rain, should keep track of the latest weather updates before starting their journey.

Parents and students have been advised to rely only on official announcements from district administrations and educational institutions regarding school or college holidays. No holidays have been announced by the IMD, and any decision will be taken by the respective district authorities based on local conditions.

The weather forecast may also change as the situation develops, with the IMD expected to revise its warnings if required.

How is weather?

The IMD said several weather systems are combining to strengthen monsoon conditions.

The monsoon trough remains active and is positioned south of its normal location. A deep depression over west-central Chhattisgarh and adjoining parts of Vidarbha and southeast Madhya Pradesh is expected to weaken gradually while moving westwards over the next day.

An east-west shear zone continues across central India, while a western disturbance persists over north Haryana and nearby areas. An upper air cyclonic circulation is also present over central Assam.

In addition, an offshore trough extending from south Gujarat to north Kerala is helping draw moisture towards the state, increasing the chances of widespread rainfall over the coming days. These systems together are expected to keep Kerala under active monsoon conditions through the weekend.