Thiruvananthapura, 26 Oct (H.S.):The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has withdrawn orange alerts across Keralam after revising its rainfall forecast, indicating an easing of the heavy rain threat in the state. Seven districts, however, remain under a yellow alert on Monday for isolated heavy showers.

Earlier, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram had been placed under an orange alert, warning of isolated very heavy rainfall. The updated bulletin has removed that warning from all four districts, with no orange alert now in force anywhere in Keralam.

The revised forecast indicates that isolated heavy rainfall is likely mainly in central and southern Keralam. Yellow alerts have been issued for Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, where residents have been advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions.

The revision marks a moderation of the earlier outlook, which had suggested that Kerala could receive heavy rainfall over the coming days under the influence of the cyclonic system developing over the Bay of Bengal.

From Tuesday, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the state. However, the updated forecast carries no district-level alerts for heavy rainfall from that day, signalling a reduced likelihood of intense showers.

The withdrawal of orange alerts does not mean that rainfall will cease. Showers remain possible across Kerala, while the seven districts under yellow alert could experience isolated spells of heavy rain on Monday.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area remains over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala coast. Separately, the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm.

According to the weather department’s forecast, the cyclone is expected to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday. The revised Kerala bulletin points to weaker rainfall activity in the state even as the Bay of Bengal system continues its movement towards the country’s eastern coastline.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman