Heavy rain predicted for today and tomorrow; two people killed in lightning, death toll reaches six

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Meteorological Center has indicated that the heavy rain that has been falling in the state for the last five days is likely to subside by Saturday but will continue today and tomorrow. The rain which was concentrated in south Kerala, spread to all districts yesterday. Fishing is not allowed in Kerala coast due to high waves. Coastal residents should be alert as there is a possibility of storm surge. There is a possibility of strong thunder and wind in northern districts.

Meanwhile, two people lost their lives yesterday in the state due to rain. With this, the death toll in the rains has risen to six. Kasaragod Nileshwar Bengalam Puthiyakandam native Balan (70) and Poothotta Puthenkavu Chingoroth native Sarasan (62) were killed by lightning yesterday evening. Sarasan was returning home in a boat with hay for the cattle.

Orange alert: Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kasaragod

Yellow alert: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam

Heavy rains in August

Monsoon will arrive early in the state this time. The Meteorological Department has warned that there may be heavy rains in the second quarter of August. June and July will receive regular or slightly more rainfall. The surface temperature of the Indian Ocean is higher now. This returning to normal is what is leading to an earlier onset of the monsoon. Monsoon becomes stronger in August and September due to the change in the dipole phenomenon in the Indian Ocean. A dipole is an irregular weather phenomenon in the Indian Ocean that occurs when the water surface temperature differs between the eastern tropics and the western tropics.