Thiruvananthapuram, 10 Oct (H.S.):A low-pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by Tuesday, bringing light to moderate rain across Kerala and isolated heavy showers until Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast.

Yellow alerts have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts on Saturday, with heavy rainfall expected at isolated locations. Residents have been advised to remain alert as thunderstorms and strong winds could accompany the showers.

According to the weather department, a cyclonic circulation currently lies over the Strait of Malacca. It is expected to move into the Andaman Sea by Sunday and subsequently intensify into a low-pressure area by Tuesday.

The developing weather system is expected to influence rainfall over Kerala during the coming days. While most areas are likely to receive light or moderate showers, some locations could experience heavier spells.

The IMD also warned of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kilometres per hour during this period. The warning calls for caution wherever these conditions develop.

Another cyclonic circulation is situated over the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining southern Tamil Nadu coast, extending up to 0.9 kilometres above mean sea level.

A trough runs from this circulation towards central and northern Maharashtra through interior Tamil Nadu and interior Karnataka, the department said. This feature forms part of the broader weather pattern described in the forecast.

The immediate heavy-rain warning is focused on the four Kerala districts placed under yellow alert. The broader forecast, however, indicates the possibility of rainfall elsewhere in the state through Wednesday.

The department’s advisory highlights the need to watch for sudden thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds alongside rain. Residents in the alerted districts should follow subsequent weather bulletins as the circulation moves towards the Andaman Sea and strengthens further.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman