Thiruvananthapuram, 15 Oct (H.S.) :The northeast monsoon is expected to reach Kerala by Thursday evening, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall across parts of the state until Sunday.

An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts on Thursday, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant as rain could intensify in isolated areas.

Eight other districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad — are under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall on Thursday.

For Friday, yellow alerts have been announced in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The weather department has also warned of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. People have been urged to exercise caution during thunderstorms and follow weather updates and safety advisories.

With rainfall expected to strengthen, residents have been advised to avoid all non-essential travel during spells of heavy rain. Particular caution has been urged for those planning journeys through hilly terrain or visits to areas close to rivers and other water bodies.

Authorities have advised people to avoid recreational trips to waterfalls, reservoirs and mountainous areas while adverse weather conditions persist.

The public has also been warned against attempting to cross rivers during heavy rainfall. Entering rivers or other water bodies for bathing or fishing should be strictly avoided when rain intensifies.

The forecast places several districts under rainfall warnings on successive days, making continued vigilance necessary through the weekend. Residents should plan essential journeys around weather conditions and heed instructions issued by local authorities.

As the monsoon arrives, the emphasis remains on limiting exposure to lightning, strong winds and rain-swollen water bodies, particularly during periods of intense rainfall across the affected districts this week.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman