Relief from scorching heat; Rain warning in three districts, alert issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is a warning of rain in various districts of the state as a relief from the scorching heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alert in three districts on Sunday. There is a rain warning in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki. There is a possibility of light rain in other districts, but there is no special warning. The rain is due to the formation of a new low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean near the equator. The IMD has warned that there will be rain in Kerala till February 25.

Meantime, according to the notification issued at 5 am today, the IMD has informed that there is a possibility of light/moderate rain with thunderstorm and strong winds speeding up to 40 kmph at isolated places in Kozhikode of Kerala in the next three hours, and light rain at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.

Thunderstorm Warning

• The IMD has informed that isolated places in Kerala are likely to experience rain with thunderstorms and strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 kmph today.

• 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 thundercloud. Since lightning may not always be visible, do not refrain from taking such precautions.
• Immediately move inside a safe building after seeing the first sign of thunderstorms. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• During times of strong winds and thunderstorms, keep windows and doors closed. Do not stand near doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try to avoid touching the walls or floor as much as possible.
• Disconnect household appliances. Avoid proximity to 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 the vehicle during a thunderstorm. Do not put your arms and legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling in vehicles such as bicycles, bikes, and tractors during a thunderstorm and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.
• Do not go to the terrace or yard to get clothes when you see a rainstorm.