Thiruvananthapuram: The North-East Monsoon, locally known as Thulavarsham, has arrived in Kerala, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy rainfall across the state over the coming days.

An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts for Thursday. A yellow alert has also been issued for the remaining 10 districts, warning of isolated heavy rainfall.

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Yellow alert

The IMD has issued yellow alerts for the following districts on the specified dates:

  • October 16, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.

  • October 17, 2026: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode.

  • October 18, 2026: Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.

  • October 19, 2026: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod.

A yellow alert indicates the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall.

North-East Monsoon begins

The IMD has announced the onset of the North-East Monsoon over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry-Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka and Kerala-Mahe. The South-West Monsoon has also completely withdrawn from the country.

A cyclonic circulation persists over the south-east Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region, extending from 1.5 km to 4.5 km above mean sea level. Another cyclonic circulation is present over the south Tamil Nadu coast.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Kerala from October 15 to 19, 2026.