Thiruvananthapuram, 29 May (H.S.) :

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala within the next two days, as weather conditions continue to become increasingly favourable for its advancement across the region.

The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep over the coming days, with isolated heavy showers expected in several parts of the state. In view of the anticipated weather conditions, a Yellow Alert has been issued for nine districts on Thursday. The districts under alert are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad.

According to the weather department, conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance further into more parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep region, the southwest Bay of Bengal, the central-east and central-west Bay of Bengal, the remaining parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal and parts of the northeast Bay of Bengal during the next two to three days.

Meteorologists have attributed the expected rainfall activity to the presence of multiple cyclonic circulations over the region. A cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas, while another remains over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast. A third cyclonic circulation is located over the central-east and southeast Bay of Bengal.

Under the influence of these systems, Kerala and Mahe are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall on May 29 and 31, and June 1 and 2. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated locations.

The department said widespread rainfall activity is expected to continue across Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep from May 29 to June 2. Authorities have advised residents, fishermen and travellers to remain vigilant and follow official weather updates.

Further, Yellow Alerts have also been issued for five districts on Sunday—Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Malappuram—while four districts are likely to remain under heavy rain warning on Monday and Tuesday as the monsoon system strengthens over the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman