Thiruvananthapuram, 04 June (H.S.):The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that conditions are favourable for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala on Thursday, with widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across several parts of the state over the coming days.

In view of the anticipated weather conditions, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for eight districts on Thursday, warning of the possibility of very heavy rainfall. The districts under Orange Alert are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur.

A Yellow Alert has been issued for Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall in isolated places.

The weather department has forecast a shift in the zone of intense rainfall on Friday, with northern Kerala expected to receive the heaviest showers. Orange Alerts have been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, while Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam will remain under Yellow Alert.

According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance further into more parts of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu and large areas of the Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists noted that a cyclonic circulation that was earlier positioned over the southeast Arabian Sea near the south Kerala coast has now shifted to the east-central Arabian Sea adjoining the Karnataka coast.

Another cyclonic circulation persists over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining regions. The combined influence of these systems is expected to trigger widespread rainfall activity across Kerala and Mahe until June 7.

The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, with wind speeds occasionally touching 60 kmph in some areas through June 7.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts until June 7 due to rough weather conditions. Strong winds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph at times, and high sea conditions are expected to prevail over the region during the period, posing risks to fishing operations and small vessels.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman