The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall of varying intensity across several districts in Kerala from May 23 to May 27, triggering red, orange and yellow alerts in the state.

Red alert for extremely heavy rain

The IMD has declared a red alert in several districts anticipating extremely heavy rainfall — defined as rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours. The districts under red alert are as follows:

24 May 2025: Kannur, Kasaragod

25 May 2025: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

26 May 2025: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

The red alert signifies the likelihood of widespread disruption, and the authorities have urged residents in these districts to remain vigilant.

Orange alert in central and northern districts

Districts forecast to receive very heavy rainfall (between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in 24 hours) have been placed under an orange alert. The affected areas are:

  • 23 May 2025: Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
  • 24 May 2025: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
  • 25 May 2025: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad
  • 26 May 2025: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad
  • 27 May 2025: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

The IMD has urged the public to prepare for potential waterlogging, localised flooding, and disruption in transport and daily activities.

Yellow alert for isolated heavy showers

A yellow alert, indicating the likelihood of isolated heavy rainfall (between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours), has been issued for the following districts:

  • 23 May 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad
  • 24 May 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha
  • 25 May 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam
  • 26 May 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha
  • 27 May 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram

Authorities have advised people in yellow alert zones to remain cautious and stay updated with local weather reports, especially those residing in vulnerable or low-lying areas.