Weather in Kerala to change from Monday; people in two districts should take extra care, orange alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department has announced that there is a possibility of rain in Kerala for the next five days. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued in various districts. An orange alert has been issued in Kozhikode and Kannur districts for the 27th. There is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in isolated places. IMD defines Very Heavy Rainfall as rainfall of 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours.

Yellow Alert

25/10/2025: Kannur, Kasaragod

26/10/2025: Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

27/10/2025: Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kasaragod

28/10/2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam

The Central Meteorological Department has declared a yellow alert in the mentioned districts. Isolated heavy rainfall is predicted. IMD defines heavy rainfall (ISOL H) as a situation where rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm is received in 24 hours. IMD has informed that there is a possibility of thundershowers and strong winds with a speed of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places in Kerala from today (25/10/2025) to 28/10/2025.

Precautions

Lightning is dangerous. It can 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 first see a thunderstorm. Do not refrain from taking such precautions because lightning is not always visible.

Indoor precautions

• Take immediate shelter: Go inside a safe, permanent building at the first sign of lightning. Do not wait for the thunder or rain to begin.
• Close all openings: Keep doors and windows tightly shut to protect from strong winds and lightning.
• Keep your distance: Avoid standing near windows and doors. Do not lean against concrete walls or lie on concrete floors.
• Avoid contact with surfaces: As much as possible, avoid touching the walls and floor inside your building.
• Stay off landlines: Do not use a landline phone during a thunderstorm. Mobile phones are safer to use.
• Unplug electronics: Disconnect household appliances and avoid being near electrical equipment to prevent damage from power surges.
• Avoid plumbing: Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or collect water from taps. Electricity can travel through metal pipes.

Outdoor precautions

• Move indoors: Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck by lightning. Get inside a safe building immediately.
• Protect vehicles: Do not park vehicles under trees. The safest place to be in a lightning storm is inside a hard-topped vehicle.
• Secure loose items: Tie down or store away any objects that could be blown away or fall in strong winds.
• Stay out of the water: Avoid fishing, swimming, or bathing in any body of water, including lakes, rivers, and the sea.
• Stay away from trees: Do not seek shelter under a tree, as they can conduct electricity.
• Avoid high places: Do not sit on terraces, high places, or tree branches during a thunderstorm.
• Secure pets: Do not leave domestic animals tied up in the open during a thunderstorm.
• Last resort position: If you are caught in an open area with no shelter, assume a ball-like position by crouching with your feet together and your head between your knees.

First aid

• Provide immediate care: If someone is struck by lightning, do not hesitate to give them first aid. A person struck by lightning does not carry a charge and is safe to touch.
• Understand critical timing: The first 30 seconds after a lightning strike are crucial for a person's survival.