The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a change in Kerala's weather pattern, with rainfall expected to intensify across the state from Friday after a relatively calm spell.

In its latest bulletin issued on Thursday, July 16, the IMD said Kerala is likely to witness isolated to scattered showers on Thursday. However, rainfall activity is expected to increase significantly over the coming days.

Between July 17 and July 21, the state is likely to experience fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, indicating that most parts of Kerala could receive rain during the five-day period.

Alongside the rainfall forecast, the IMD has warned of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning on Thursday and Friday. The weather office has urged people, particularly those working outdoors, to remain cautious during this period.

The advisory comes as thunderstorms and lightning continue to pose a safety risk across several parts of the state. In a separate weather update, the IMD said the low-pressure area that was located over the north-west Bay of Bengal, off the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts, has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area.

The system is likely to move north-westwards over north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal during the next two days.

The department has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Kerala between July 16 and July 20.

The IMD has also issued a temperature warning for Thursday, July 16, stating that isolated places in Kerala could record maximum temperatures that are 3°C to 4°C above normal.

Farmers advised to postpone field activities

In view of the thunderstorm forecast, the IMD has issued an Agromet advisory for Kerala's farming community.

Farmers have been advised to postpone the application of fertilisers and other important field operations for the time being. The advisory aims to reduce the risk of lightning-related accidents and prevent fertilisers from being washed away during sudden spells of heavy rain.

According to the forecast, rainfall activity is expected to ease from Wednesday, July 22, with weather conditions returning to isolated and scattered showers similar to those seen earlier this week.

School and college holiday update

As of now, no weather-related holiday has been announced for Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18, or the following days.

Authorities have said the weather situation remains dynamic, and IMD forecasts may be revised as conditions change. District administrations may announce holidays for schools and colleges depending on the weather in their respective areas.

Students and parents have been advised to rely only on official announcements issued by district collectors and educational institutions for information on school holidays or any changes to class schedules.