Heavy rains to strengthen in Kerala today; five districts on orange alert, strong winds likely

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that there is a possibility of heavy rains in the state today. Rain warnings have been issued in all districts. An orange alert has been issued in Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod today. A yellow alert has been issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad.

Strong winds are also likely along the coast of the state. Winds may gust up to 60 kmph. The reason for the heavy rains is the strengthening of the westerly wind. Fishing is prohibited along the coast of Kerala and Lakshadweep. An orange alert has been sounded in Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on July 18. An orange alert has been issued in Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod on July 19.

A yellow alert has been issued for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram on July 18. A yellow alert has been sounded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad on July 19.