Thiruvananthapuram, 30 Oct (H.S.): Keralam is likely to receive isolated rainfall as a low-pressure area over the south Andaman Sea and adjoining regions is expected to strengthen, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Four districts have been placed on yellow alert for November 2.

The weather system, which developed from an upper-air cyclonic circulation, is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area over the south Andaman Sea and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the next 24 hours.

The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated places across Kerala on November 1 and 2. Strong winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are also likely during this period.

Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram and Wayanad are under yellow alert on November 2, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, particularly during thunderstorms, as lightning poses a serious safety risk.

Meanwhile, a depression associated with the remnants of Cyclone Arnab persists over southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining southern Odisha. The system is expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area over northern Chhattisgarh and neighbouring northwestern Odisha, according to the weather department.

Adverse weather conditions are also expected across several maritime regions. Squally winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are likely over the southeast Bay of Bengal, adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal, west-central Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

The forecast points to unsettled conditions over these sea areas as the Andaman weather system develops and moves west-northwestwards.

For Keralam,the immediate focus remains on the thunderstorm forecast for November 1 and 2 and the heavy rainfall warning for the four districts on November 2. The department has stressed the need for caution during lightning activity, even in places where rainfall is isolated rather than widespread across the affected districts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman