Thiruvananthapuram, 09 Oct (H.S.): Heavy rain is likely across parts of Kerala on Friday and Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing yellow alerts for nine districts on Friday and four on Saturday.

Friday’s alerts cover Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. On Saturday, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki will remain under yellow alert.

The department defines heavy rainfall as precipitation ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours. The forecast also warns of thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph during the two days.

Several weather systems are contributing to the rainfall, according to the department. A cyclonic circulation persists over the southeastern Arabian Sea near the southern Kerala coast, at an altitude of 5.8 km above sea level.

Another cyclonic circulation is located over northern Tamil Nadu at the same altitude. A trough extends from the Gulf of Mannar to central Maharashtra through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, at 0.9 km above sea level. The combined influence of these systems is bringing rain to Kerala, the department said.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of coastal inundation along parts of the Thiruvananthapuram and Kanniyakumari coasts because of the “kallakkadal” phenomenon, involving swell waves.

Along the Thiruvananthapuram coastline, from Kappil to Pozhiyoor, waves measuring between 0.9 and 1.1 metres could cause seawater to surge ashore until 11.30 p.m. on Friday.

A warning is in place for the Kanniyakumari coast, where waves ranging from 0.9 to 1.3 metres could trigger coastal inundation during the same period.

The coastal warnings accompany the rainfall forecast, with southern coastal areas facing possible wave-related impacts while several districts remain under alerts for heavy rain. The advisories identify separate risks from rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and sea conditions during the forecast period.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman