Thiruvananthapuram, 14 May (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated heavy rainfall across Kerala on Thursday and issued a yellow alert in six districts, warning residents to remain vigilant against thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.

According to the IMD, heavy rain is likely in Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Authorities have also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph in isolated places.

The weather department has extended rainfall warnings to other districts over the next two days. On Friday, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts are expected to receive heavy rain, while Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram are under alert for Saturday.

Officials cautioned that lightning can be extremely dangerous and urged the public to take adequate safety measures. People have been advised to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms, avoid contact with electrical equipment, and refrain from using telephones when lightning activity is intense.

Meanwhile, the IMD said conditions are becoming favourable for the advance of the southwest monsoon over parts of the south Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Saturday.

A low-pressure area that formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay has intensified into a well-marked low-pressure system. Its influence is expected to trigger widespread rain activity across Kerala till May 16.

The IMD further said isolated places across Kerala and Mahe are likely to experience thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and strong winds ranging between 30 and 50 kmph over the next five days.

Disaster management authorities have urged fishermen, travellers and people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert as weather conditions may worsen in some regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman