Thiruvananthapuram,15 May (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall across Kerala, with isolated places likely to receive heavy showers over the next few days. A yellow alert has been issued on Friday for six districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad — warning of the possibility of intense rainfall in isolated areas.
According to the IMD, “heavy rainfall” refers to precipitation ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period. Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable areas, including hilly and low-lying regions, to remain alert as thunderstorms and gusty winds may accompany the rains.
The weather department has also issued a warning for fishermen. Fishing activities have been prohibited along the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast on Friday due to rough sea conditions and strong winds. However, fishing operations along the Karnataka coast can continue as weather conditions there are expected to remain relatively stable.
The IMD said strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 kmph to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph at times, are likely over several maritime regions including the Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, Kanyakumari region, adjoining Maldives area, south Bay of Bengal, central-east Bay of Bengal, adjoining central-west Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to exercise extreme caution.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is expected to advance into parts of the south Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Saturday, marking the gradual onset of the monsoon season over the region.
The IMD further stated that a well-marked low-pressure area persists over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, contributing to the prevailing unstable weather conditions.
Kerala and Mahe are likely to witness isolated thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds blowing at speeds of 30 kmph to 50 kmph and heavy rainfall at isolated places until May 17, the weather department added.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
