Thiruvananthapuram, 24 May (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated heavy rainfall across Kerala until Wednesday, with several districts placed under yellow alert as weather systems intensify over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

For Sunday, heavy rainfall is expected in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. In view of the forecast, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for these districts and warned of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph.

The weather department has also outlined district-wise forecasts for the coming days. On Monday, heavy rainfall is likely in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. On Tuesday, isolated heavy rain is expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Wednesday’s forecast includes heavy rainfall in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.

According to the IMD, heavy rainfall refers to precipitation ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period.

Meteorologists attributed the expected rainfall to a combination of active weather systems and the gradual advance of the southwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon has now progressed into parts of the southwest Arabian Sea, larger areas of the southeast Arabian Sea, the Kanyakumari region, and extensive parts of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

A cyclonic circulation that was earlier located over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions has now shifted and remains active over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal at an altitude of 3.1 km to 5.8 km above mean sea level. Another cyclonic circulation has also formed over the southwest Arabian Sea at similar atmospheric levels.

The combined influence of these systems is expected to enhance moisture flow and atmospheric instability over Kerala, leading to widespread rain activity over the next few days. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, particularly in regions prone to waterlogging, strong winds and thunderstorm-related incidents.

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman