Monsoon delayed; thunderstorm warning and yellow alert in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather warning for Kerala, predicting isolated heavy rainfall, intense thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds across the state.
While pre-monsoon showers continue to lash several districts, the official onset of the highly anticipated Southwest Monsoon has hit a brief speed bump.
Monsoon arrival slightly delayed
Although weather scientists initially projected the monsoon to make landfall over the mainland on Tuesday, May 26, the latest synoptic parameters indicate a slight stagnation. Due to a marginal drop in wind speeds, the monsoon's arrival is now expected to be delayed by two to three days, likely tracking toward a May 28 onset.
Despite the delayed onset, atmospheric conditions remain highly volatile as a seasonal moisture trough stretches across the southeast Arabian Sea.
Yellow alerts issued for heavy rainfall
The IMD has placed several southern and central districts under a Yellow Alert, warning residents to brace for isolated heavy downpours ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour window:
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam
- Wednesday, May 27, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha
High winds and lightning warning
Through Friday, May 29, the entire state remains under a strict thunderstorm warning. The weather bureau has cautioned that these storms will likely be accompanied by dangerous lightning strikes and sudden squally winds.
Wind speeds are expected to clock between 40–50 km/h, with potential gusts reaching up to 60 km/h.