Thiruvananthapuram, 12 Oct (H.S.): Isolated heavy rain is likely in Kerala on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms and gusty winds in parts of the state. No district has been placed under a specific weather alert.

Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts could experience rain accompanied by lightning at isolated locations, with winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. The department also forecast light rain at isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam.

The forecast indicates that rain accompanied by thunderstorms could continue across Kerala until October 15. Although no district-specific alert has been issued, the department’s outlook points to continued rainfall activity over the coming days.

The prevailing weather conditions are linked to a cyclonic circulation over the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining southern Tamil Nadu coast. The circulation extends up to 0.9 kilometres above mean sea level.

A trough extending from this circulation towards north-central Maharashtra passes through interior Tamil Nadu and interior Karnataka. This atmospheric feature forms part of the weather pattern associated with the current rain forecast for Kerala.

Meanwhile, another cyclonic circulation persists over the Strait of Malacca. It is likely to move into the Andaman Sea and could develop into a low-pressure area over the southeastern Bay of Bengal by Tuesday.

The projected development remains a forecast, with the circulation expected to strengthen after entering the Andaman Sea. The department has indicated the possibility of low-pressure formation, rather than confirming that the system has already developed.

Against this backdrop, rainfall is expected to persist in Kerala through Wednesday, while the broader forecast indicates the possibility of thunderstorms until Thursday, October 15.

The immediate district-level forecast identifies Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam for lightning and strong winds, and Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam for isolated light rainfall. No special district-level warning currently accompanies the forecast for the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman