Kerala monsoon intensifies: IMD issues Orange and Yellow alerts across multiple districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning indicating a significant surge in the southwest monsoon over Kerala. Widespread and heavy rainfall is projected to sweep across the state starting Sunday, prompting authorities to issue a series of yellow and orange alerts for various districts over the coming week.

A yellow alert remains active across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, with regional meteorological centres warning residents of heavy, isolated downpours. By Sunday, the weather system is expected to intensify considerably, expanding yellow alerts across 11 districts including Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Alappuzha.

The weather situation is expected to escalate further by Monday, with the IMD upgrading warnings to an Orange Alert for the northern districts of Kasaragod, Kannur, and Kozhikode. These northern regions face a high risk of isolated, extremely heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, yellow alerts will persist for Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki.

This severe weather pattern will continue into Tuesday, keeping Orange Alerts active across Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode. Alongside the torrential downpours, authorities have warned of strong gusty winds and severe sea erosion, directing residents in coastal belts and landslide-prone hilly terrains to maintain high vigilance.