Thiruvananthapuram, 29 May (H.S.): Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Kerala, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Yellow Alert for six districts on Friday. The alert has been declared for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, where isolated heavy showers are likely.
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 residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as intermittent intense rain is expected over the coming days.
The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has also warned of possible coastal erosion and sea incursions along the Kerala coast due to the phenomenon known as Kallakkadal (swell surge). High waves ranging from 0.8 metres to 1.6 metres are likely along the coast until 11.30 p.m. on Friday. Fishermen and residents living in coastal regions have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing into vulnerable shoreline areas.
Weather officials have further warned of strong winds and rough sea conditions over the Kanyakumari region, where wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected. Similar conditions are forecast along the South Gujarat coast, the Pakistan coast and adjoining north Arabian Sea, the Somalia coast, and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea, with winds reaching 45–55 kmph and gusting up to 65 kmph. Fishing operations have been prohibited in these regions until conditions improve.
Meteorologists said conditions remain favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over larger parts of the south and southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep region, and extensive areas of the Bay of Bengal during the next two to three days.
A cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining areas, while another circulation remains active over the central-east and southeast Bay of Bengal. These systems are expected to enhance rainfall activity across Kerala.
The IMD has forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph across Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep through June 1, with isolated heavy rain likely in several districts. Residents have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
