Will rain spoil Diwali celebrations in Kerala IMD forecasts heavy rain across Kochi and southern Kerala; alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Kerala today and tomorrow. Yellow alerts have been issued in several districts for both days in view of the possibility of heavy rain.

The yellow alert has been issued as the state is likely to receive rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph.

Districts Under Yellow Alert

• November 7, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam.

• November 8, 2026: Kottayam and Idukki.

Lightning Safety Guidelines

• Move indoors to a safe building immediately upon noticing the first signs of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

• Keep doors and windows closed when strong winds and thunderstorms are expected. Avoid standing near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid contact with walls and floors as much as possible.

• Disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply. Avoid contact with electrical equipment during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using landline telephones during thunderstorms. Mobile phone use is safe.
• When the sky is overcast, avoid playing in open areas and on terraces, including for children.
• Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Vehicles should not be parked under trees either.
• Remain inside vehicles during thunderstorms and do not extend your hands or feet outside. Occupants are relatively safe inside a fully enclosed vehicle. Avoid travelling on bicycles, motorcycles and tractors during thunderstorms. Take shelter in a safe building until the lightning subsides.
• Do not go to terraces or open courtyards to collect clothes during thunderstorms.
• Secure objects that could be blown over by strong winds.
• Avoid bathing during thunderstorms and refrain from collecting water from taps, as electricity from lightning may travel through plumbing.
• Do not enter water bodies for fishing or bathing during thunderstorms. As soon as dark clouds begin to appear, stop activities such as fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during thunderstorms. Stop fishing with rods and casting nets until the lightning subsides.
• Avoid flying kites.