Thiruvananthapuram, 05 July (H.S.):Kerala is likely to experience widespread rainfall over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rain across parts of the state until July 10 despite a relatively weak southwest monsoon so far.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts on Sunday, warning of the possibility of heavy rainfall. Weather conditions are expected to intensify from Monday, with Kannur and Kasaragod being upgraded to an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall. Yellow alerts will remain in force for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.
On Tuesday, Kozhikode will also come under an orange alert along with Kannur and Kasaragod. Yellow alerts will continue for Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Wayanad. By Wednesday, yellow alerts will cover Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
According to the IMD, the change in weather is being driven by a low-pressure area that formed over Odisha and is expected to move west-northwestwards. The system is likely to influence weather conditions over Kerala during the next few days, bringing widespread rain or thundershowers across the state until July 10.
The weather agency has also warned of strong surface winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places between July 4 and July 7, increasing the risk of damage to trees, power lines and temporary structures.
Adding to the concerns, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a high-wave alert for parts of Kerala's northern coast until 11.30 pm on Sunday. Waves ranging from 2.9 metres to 3.5 metres and the possibility of sea incursion have been forecast along coastal stretches from Chombala Fishing Harbour to Ramanattukara in Kozhikode, Valapattanam to New Mahe in Kannur, and Kunjathur to Kottakunnu in Kasaragod.
The IMD said heavy rainfall, strong wind and fishermen warnings will remain in force until July 7. From July 8 to July 10, only heavy rainfall warnings will continue.
Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant as heavy rain could trigger waterlogging, poor visibility and traffic disruptions, especially in low-lying areas. Strong winds may uproot trees, damage electricity infrastructure and disrupt transport services, while standing crops nearing harvest could also be affected.
The IMD has further warned of the possibility of landslides in vulnerable hilly regions and lightning-related incidents during thunderstorms. People have been urged to avoid open spaces during lightning, stay away from weak or damaged structures, and strictly follow advisories issued by local authorities and disaster management agencies.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
