Rain and winds to lash state, alert issued to various districts 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain has been predicted in the state today. Ernakulam is likely to experience moderate rain at isolated places and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph during the next three hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also said that there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki.

A cyclone is located over coastal North Andhra Pradesh. By tomorrow it is likely to intensify into a low pressure over West Central/Northwest Bay of Bengal. Also, the low pressure over Rajasthan weakened into a cyclonic vortex. The central western Arabian Sea low pressure has weakened into a cyclonic vortex near Oman coast. As a result of this, there is a possibility of widespread light/moderate rains in Kerala for the next week, the IMD said.

Yellow alert has been declared in Kannur and Kasargod on September 8. A chance of isolated heavy rain has been predicted. Heavy rains mean rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

The IMD has informed that there will be no disruption to fishing in Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts today. Strong wind at a speed of 45 to 55 kmph and occasional 65 kmph is likely over most parts of Central West Arabian Sea and western parts of Southwest Arabian Sea from today till Sept 8.

Gusty winds and bad weather conditions are likely over Gulf of Mannar, South Tamil Nadu coast and adjoining Kanyakumari coast with a speed of 35 to 45 kmph and 55 kmph at some occasions.