Thiruvananthapuram, 26 June (H.S.):The southwest monsoon, which has remained weak over Kerala for several weeks, is expected to regain strength towards the end of June, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread heavy rainfall across the state over the coming days.

According to the latest weather bulletin, rain activity is likely to increase from Sunday, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in parts of northern Kerala on Monday and Tuesday. In view of the forecast, the IMD has issued Orange Alerts for several districts.

On Monday, isolated places in Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts are expected to receive very heavy rainfall. On Tuesday, the Orange Alert has been extended to Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, where intense downpours are likely.

For Friday, the IMD has issued Yellow Alerts for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, warning of isolated heavy rainfall. A Yellow Alert indicates the possibility of heavy rain and calls for residents to remain vigilant.

The weather department has also issued Yellow Alerts for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on Saturday. On Sunday, Yellow Alerts will be in effect for all districts across Kerala except Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, signalling widespread rainfall as the monsoon strengthens.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep coasts until Tuesday due to rough weather conditions. The IMD has warned of strong winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph at times, accompanied by adverse sea conditions.

Authorities have urged fishermen and coastal residents to exercise extreme caution and closely follow weather advisories. People living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas have also been advised to remain alert as rainfall intensity is expected to increase significantly over the next few days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman