Thiruvananthapuram, 03 June (H.S.):

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala on Thursday, marking the beginning of the state's annual rainy season. The weather department has also warned of widespread rainfall activity across Kerala and Mahe, with isolated heavy showers likely until June 8.

According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation persists over the southeast Arabian Sea, close to the southern Kerala coast. The system is expected to strengthen monsoon conditions and trigger intense rainfall in several parts of the state over the coming days. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are also likely in isolated areas.

The weather agency said conditions remain favourable for the further advancement of the southwest monsoon over larger parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, and extensive regions of the Bay of Bengal, including the northeast, east-central, west-central and southwest sectors.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for all districts of Kerala on Wednesday, with four districts placed under an Orange Alert indicating the possibility of very heavy rainfall. The districts under Orange Alert are Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Thrissur.

A Yellow Alert, signalling the likelihood of heavy rainfall at isolated places, has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The state government and disaster management authorities have urged residents living in landslide-prone, hill slope and low-lying regions to remain vigilant. People residing in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides and flash floods have been advised to closely follow official warnings and move to safer locations if directed by authorities.

With the southwest monsoon expected to become active from Thursday, authorities are closely monitoring weather developments and preparedness measures across the state. Fishermen, travellers and residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to exercise caution as Kerala braces for the season's first spell of widespread monsoon rainfall.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman