Thiruvananthapuram, 16 Oct (H.S.):All 14 districts in Kerala have been placed under a yellow alert on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds following the onset of the northeast monsoon.

Isolated locations could experience lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. Rain is expected to continue across the state until October 19, prompting warnings for residents in vulnerable areas.

Yellow alerts have also been issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts on Saturday. Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur will remain under a yellow alert on Sunday.

People living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides and flash floods have been advised to move to safer locations when instructed by authorities. Residents of poorly secured houses and buildings with weak roofs should exercise particular caution because of the possibility of strong winds.

Authorities have urged people to avoid crossing rivers or entering rivers and other waterbodies for bathing, fishing or any other purpose during heavy rainfall. Unnecessary travel should be avoided when rain intensifies.

Visits to waterfalls, reservoirs and hilly destinations should be postponed until the weather warnings are lifted. Motorists travelling along roads bordering waterbodies have also been advised to remain vigilant.

The IMD said the northeast monsoon began on Thursday over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe. The southwest monsoon simultaneously withdrew completely from the country.

An upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region, extending between 1.5 and 4.5 kilometres above sea level. Another cyclonic circulation lies over the southern Tamil Nadu coast.

With further spells of rain forecast, residents have been asked to follow official weather updates and local safety instructions, particularly in highland settlements and other locations vulnerable to flooding or slope failures.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman