Relief from 40°C heat: Summer rains to hit all Kerala districts today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an urgent weather warning for Kerala, predicting isolated rain and thunderstorms across all districts in the state over the next few hours. This shift in weather provides a much-needed break from the extreme heat that has gripped the region recently, with temperatures previously soaring above 40°C in areas like Palakkad.

Heavy rain and gusty winds expected

According to the latest bulletin, light to moderate rainfall is expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. The central weather agency has placed the entire state under a general alert, noting that the intensity of these summer showers (known locally as Venal Mazha) typically peaks during the afternoon hours.

Safety precautions for public

Given the high risk of lightning and strong winds, authorities have urged the public to follow strict safety protocols:

• Seek Indoor Shelter: Stay inside safe buildings during the afternoon when lightning activity is most frequent.
• Travel Caution: Commuters and pedestrians are advised to remain vigilant. Strong winds may cause trees to uproot or branches to fall, creating hazards on the roads.
• Electrical Safety: Avoid standing near power lines or parking vehicles under trees and electrical poles to prevent accidents caused by falling debris or lightning strikes.

Yellow alert warning: District-wise breakdown

Looking ahead, the IMD has warned that the rainfall will likely intensify through the weekend. Yellow alerts, indicating heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm, have been issued for the following districts:

• Thursday (April 30): Kannur and Kasaragod.
• Friday (May 1): Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Wayanad.
• Saturday (May 2): Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.

Residents in these areas are advised to stay tuned to local weather updates and prepare for potential waterlogging or minor traffic disruptions.