Thiruvananthapuram, 07 May (H.S):The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala till Sunday, with the possibility of isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds in several parts of the state.

According to the weather department, isolated heavy rainfall is expected on Thursday in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam. In view of the warning, a Yellow Alert has been issued in these districts.

The department has also predicted heavy rainfall in isolated places on Friday in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode districts.

On Saturday, heavy rain is likely in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts, where Yellow Alerts have again been declared as a precautionary measure.

For Sunday, the weather department has issued Yellow Alerts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, warning of isolated heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity.

The department cautioned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are also likely in isolated places. Authorities have advised people to remain vigilant, as lightning can be extremely dangerous.

The weather department defines “heavy rainfall” as precipitation ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period.

Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been advised to exercise caution, particularly during periods of intense rain, lightning and strong winds.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman