Thiruvananthapuram, September 23: Kerala is expected to receive widespread rainfall over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert in seven districts on Wednesday. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod are under the alert, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall.
The weather activity is linked to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast. The system is likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around September 23–24.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain across Kerala through September 27, with isolated thunderstorms and strong winds of around 30–40 kmph possible at some places through September 26.
The alert pattern is expected to shift towards northern Kerala on Thursday. Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are listed under yellow alert for September 24. On September 25, yellow alerts are expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
According to the IMD criteria, a yellow alert corresponds to the possibility of heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours at isolated locations.
The continuing rain could increase the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas, while residents in hilly regions have been advised to remain cautious because of the possibility of landslides and mudslides. Lightning and gusty winds could also pose risks to people, power infrastructure and trees.
Authorities have advised residents to follow official weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rain and stay away from vulnerable structures and landslide-prone areas. Fishermen have also been advised to avoid venturing into the sea during periods of rough weather and strong winds.
With the weather system still developing, officials are monitoring conditions closely. District-wise alerts may be updated depending on the movement and intensity of the depression, and residents are advised to follow the latest IMD and disaster-management advisories.
