Thiruvananthapuram, 02 August (H.S.):Kerala is likely to witness another spell of intense rainfall on Sunday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an Orange Alert for 12 of the State’s 14 districts.

The warning covers Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam are the only districts excluded from the Orange Alert.

According to the IMD, isolated places in the affected districts could receive very heavy rainfall. Very heavy rain is classified as rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within a 24-hour period.

The prevailing wet weather is being influenced by multiple atmospheric systems. A coastal trough extending from the south Gujarat coast to the Kerala coast continues to persist, creating conditions favourable for widespread rainfall over the State.

Meanwhile, a well-marked low-pressure area is positioned over southeast Rajasthan. The weather system is expected to move west-northwestwards across southern Rajasthan during the next 24 hours and gradually weaken into a low-pressure area.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Kerala during the next five days. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely on Sunday and Wednesday, indicating that unsettled weather conditions could continue during the first half of the week.

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Coastal Research has warned of rough sea conditions and possible coastal erosion along parts of Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

High waves ranging between three metres and 3.5 metres are likely along the Kannur-Kasaragod coastline, particularly between Valapattanam and New Mahe and between Kunjathur and Kottakunnu, until 5.30 pm on Sunday.

People living in vulnerable coastal areas and those venturing into the sea have been advised to remain cautious as heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions persist across Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman