Rain to intensify in Kerala; people in these districts should exercise caution, orange alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain across Kerala for the next five days. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued in several districts.

An orange alert has been declared today for Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts, where isolated places are likely to receive very heavy rainfall. According to the IMD, "very heavy rainfall" refers to rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours.

Yellow alert

17/05/2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

18/05/2026: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram.

19/05/2026: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

The IMD said these districts are likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall. “Heavy rainfall” means rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms and strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places in Kerala from today until May 21, 2026.