Thiruvananthapuram, 03 July (HS):The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala, with heavy to very heavy showers expected over the next five days under the influence of a newly formed low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The department has issued Orange and Yellow alerts for several districts, warning of intense rainfall and strong winds.

On Friday, Kannur and Kasaragod are under an Orange Alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours. Yellow alerts have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, where heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is expected.

The rain warning continues into the weekend. On Saturday, heavy rainfall is forecast in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod. On Sunday, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod are likely to receive heavy rain, while Monday’s warning extends to Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast until Saturday and along the Karnataka coast until Sunday. Strong winds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, and rough sea conditions are expected during this period.

The current spell of rain is being driven by the season’s first low-pressure area, which has formed over the northwestern Bay of Bengal near the Odisha–West Bengal coast. A cyclonic circulation over the region has contributed to its development, and the system is expected to strengthen further over the next two to three days. In addition, a coastal trough extending from south Gujarat to the Karnataka coast is enhancing moisture inflow over Kerala.

Under the combined influence of these weather systems, Kerala is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall across the state through Monday, with isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rain in several districts. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman