Thiruvananthapuram, 16 May (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has expanded its rain warning across Kerala, placing nine districts under yellow alert for Saturday amid indications of strengthening weather activity over the region. The latest update comes as the southwest monsoon has reached Sri Lanka, with forecasters predicting a further increase in rainfall activity in the coming days.

The IMD had earlier issued alerts for seven districts, but the number has now been raised to nine due to the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall. The districts placed under yellow alert are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod. A yellow alert indicates the possibility of heavy rain at isolated locations and calls for precautionary measures from the public and local authorities.

Weather officials have warned that intensified rainfall conditions are likely to continue until Monday. Along with heavy rain, there is also a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning activity across several parts of the state. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas and regions vulnerable to waterlogging.

The IMD has also issued district-wise warnings for the coming days. On Sunday, yellow alerts have been announced for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. On Monday, the alert will remain in effect for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts.

Rainfall recorded in several districts over the past day has already brought relief from the intense summer heat experienced across the state in recent weeks. With monsoon conditions gradually strengthening in the region, meteorologists expect wet weather to persist and potentially intensify over the next few days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman