Kerala on high alert: IMD warns of heavy showers with yellow alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several Kerala districts, warning of heavy rainfall on October 26 and 27. Kerala has already experienced three days of continuous downpours, fueled by Cyclone Dana’s impact in the Bay of Bengal.
The IMD, in its latest advisory, cautioned that thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate showers are expected to continue in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep until October 27. Afterward, conditions are expected to gradually improve.
The IMD identified a cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Arabian Sea near Kerala’s southern coast as a contributing factor to the heavy rain. This weather disturbance prompted IMD to place eight Kerala districts under yellow alert: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur.
However, as of Friday, the alert level has been lowered from orange to yellow. Four of these districts—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha—remain on yellow alert until October 27.
The IMD also advised fishermen to avoid venturing out due to expected squally weather along Kerala’s coast. Wind speeds may reach 35-45 kmph, with gusts up to 55 kmph, posing serious risks.