Heavy rains predicted; these five districts warned, yellow alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed a possibility of rain in Kerala for the next five days. Yellow alert has been issued in various districts. Today, there is a yellow alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki. There is a possibility of isolated heavy rain. Heavy rain is defined as a situation where rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm is received in 24 hours.

The IMD has informed that there is a possibility of thundershowers and strong winds with a speed of 40-50 kmph at isolated places in Kerala from today (03/05/2026) to May 7th.

Yellow Alert

04/05/2026: Idukki, Palakkad, Wayanad

05/05/2026: Ernakulam, Idukki, Wayanad

06/05/2026: Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur

07/05/2026: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam

Precautionary directions

Thunderstorms are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal lives, electrical and communication networks and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public should take the following precautions from the moment they start seeing the thunderstorm. Lightning is not always visible, so do not neglect to take these precautions.

Immediately move into a safe building at the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.

Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and lightning. Avoid standing near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching walls or floors as much as possible.

Unplug household appliances. Avoid being near electrical appliances during a thunderstorm.

Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. It is safe to use a mobile phone.

If the weather is cloudy, avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including with children.

Do not stand under trees during a thunderstorm. Do not park vehicles under trees.

Stay inside your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your hands or feet outside. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid riding a bicycle, bike, or tractor during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

When you see a rainstorm, do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes during a thunderstorm.

Tie down objects that may fall in the wind.

Avoid bathing during a thunderstorm. Avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity caused by lightning can travel through pipes.

Do not go fishing or bathing in water during a thunderstorm. As soon as you see the clouds, stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and casting nets should be stopped during a thunderstorm.

Avoid flying kites.

It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.

Do not tie up pets in the open during this time. Do not go out to untie them and tie them up safely when you see rain clouds. This may cause you to be struck by lightning.

Lightning protection conductors can be installed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. Surge protectors can be installed to protect electrical equipment.