Thiruvananthapuram, 25 July (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala over the next five days, prompting the issuance of Yellow Alerts in several districts as the southwest monsoon is expected to remain active until Tuesday.
According to the IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in different parts of the state, with rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period in the affected areas.
For Friday, Yellow Alerts have been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. On Saturday, the alert will remain in force for Kannur and Kasaragod. On Sunday, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are expected to receive heavy rain. The alert will be extended on Monday to Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod, while on Tuesday it will cover Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
The weather department has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, particularly in regions prone to waterlogging, flash floods and landslides. Local authorities are expected to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and take precautionary measures wherever necessary.
The IMD has clarified that there is no restriction on fishing along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts on Friday, as sea conditions in these waters are considered favourable for fishing operations.
At the same time, the department has issued a separate marine weather advisory for other parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Strong winds with speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, are likely over parts of the central and southwestern Arabian Sea. Winds of 45 to 55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are expected over adjoining waters off Gujarat, Maharashtra, Oman and Somalia. Similar strong winds and rough sea conditions are also forecast over parts of the Bay of Bengal, including areas off the West Bengal and northern Odisha coasts.
Authorities have urged the public to follow official weather advisories and exercise caution as the wet spell continues across the state.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
