Thiruvananthapuram, 18 June (H.S.) :

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a fresh spell of intensified monsoon activity across Kerala, with heavy rainfall expected in several parts of the state over the coming days. A yellow alert has been issued for seven districts on Thursday, signalling the possibility of isolated heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.

The districts under yellow alert are Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram. According to the weather department, central Kerala and the northern Malabar region are likely to receive the heaviest rainfall during this phase of the southwest monsoon.

The IMD has also forecast another surge in rainfall from June 21. In anticipation of the worsening weather conditions, yellow alerts have been declared for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on that day. Meteorologists attribute the expected increase in rainfall to the strengthening of the westerly winds over the region.

Strong surface winds with speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph are likely in parts of the state on Thursday. Authorities have advised residents in hilly and coastal areas to closely follow warnings and advisories issued by district administrations, as adverse weather conditions could lead to localized disruptions.

While southern districts are expected to receive comparatively lighter rainfall, the weather department has cautioned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may occur in isolated areas. People have been urged to exercise caution, particularly during periods of intense rainfall and lightning activity.

Although the southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala earlier than usual this year, weather experts have indicated that overall seasonal rainfall may remain below levels recorded in recent years. Earlier reports had suggested that a weaker monsoon could adversely affect agricultural activity in several parts of the country, including northern India, where farming remains heavily dependent on seasonal rains.

The weather department continues to monitor the evolving conditions and has advised the public to stay updated through official forecasts and alerts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman