The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala over the next three days. Four districts in particular are on high alert:
- Red Alert: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts can expect extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in a 24-hour period.
- Orange Alert: Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts are forecast to receive very heavy rainfall.
- Yellow Alert: All other districts in Kerala are under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall.
The IMD predicts the southwest monsoon will reach Kerala by May 31st, slightly earlier than the usual June 1st arrival date. Several weather systems are contributing to the current and upcoming heavy rainfall, including a cyclonic circulation over south Tamil Nadu and low-pressure systems over central India.
The IMD has also indicated a possibility of the season’s first low-pressure system forming in the southwest Bay of Bengal around May 22nd. This system is expected to move northeast and intensify into a deep low-pressure system over the central Bay of Bengal.
Residents in Kerala are advised to stay alert and follow instructions from local authorities. Those living in hilly or low-lying areas may need to evacuate to safer locations if flooding becomes a threat.
