Cyclone over southern Karnataka, strong westerlies in Arabian Sea; rains to intensify in state in coming days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains are likely to continue in Kerala. The central meteorological department has warned of heavy rains in the state due to the existing cyclone over southern Karnataka and strong westerlies in Arabian Sea.

According to the central meteorological department’s prediction, heavy rains are likely from May 17 till May 20. The existing rain alerts in the state shall continue, said the officials. Red alert has been issued in the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur, on Monday.

Orange alerts have been issued in seven districts namely Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kasaragod. Yellow alerts have been issued in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad.

Meantime, the monsoons are likely to reach the southern Andaman sea, Nicobar islands, south-east Bay of Bengal, on Monday, said the central meteorological department.