The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for three districts in Kerala — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta — warning residents of very heavy rainfall expected in the evening hours. The alert, which lasts for three hours, comes amid the onset of the Southwest Monsoon and signals 11 to 20 centimeters of rain during this period.
In addition to the orange alert, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for six other Kerala districts: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. These areas can expect heavy rainfall ranging from 6 to 11 centimeters. Alongside the heavy rains, the department also forecasts thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h in these regions.
The IMD has indicated that heavy rainfall is likely to persist in Kerala until May 24, highlighting the progression of the Southwest Monsoon. This seasonal weather pattern is also expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to other western coastal states, including Karnataka, Goa, and the Konkan region over the coming days.
Meanwhile, moderate rainfall is predicted for western coastal states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat throughout the week. The northeastern part of India, along with the sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal, is also expected to experience significant rainfall over the next 5 to 6 days.
Currently, a low-pressure cyclonic circulation is hovering above Karnataka, and meteorologists expect it to intensify and move northwards from May 22, potentially increasing rainfall activity in the region.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the monsoon brings increased rainfall and weather disturbances across the western and northeastern parts of the country
Sources By Agencies
