Heavy rains to lash Kerala: Orange alert issued for four districts as monsoon advances

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for Kollam, Thrissur, Kottayam, and Idukki districts as heavy rainfall continues to intensify across Kerala. Weather officials have urged residents to remain vigilant over the next few hours, warning of severe thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 km/h.

The sudden surge in precipitation aligns with the steady progression of the Southwest Monsoon. According to the IMD, the monsoon has successfully advanced into additional regions of the Southwest and Southeast Arabian Sea, the Kanyakumari area, major sections of the Bay of Bengal (including Southwest, Southeast, and Central-East regions), and most parts of the Andaman Sea.

Atmospheric conditions remain highly volatile due to dual weather systems:

• Bay of Bengal System: A cyclonic circulation currently hovers over the Southeast and adjoining Central Bay of Bengal, positioned between 3.1 km and 5.8 km above sea level.
• Arabian Sea System: A secondary cyclonic circulation has developed over the Southwest Arabian Sea at a similar altitude.

Driven by these active cyclonic circulations, meteorologists predict widespread and isolated heavy rainfall across Kerala and the Union Territory of Mahe from May 23 to May 27. Local authorities have advised those in high-risk and coastal areas to exercise extreme caution.