Kerala weather update: Yellow alerts issued across five districts; heavy rain forecasted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department has announced a forecast for rain across Kerala over the next five days, with Yellow Alerts issued for several districts.

Alert Schedule:

• Today (04/04/2026): Yellow alerts are in effect for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad.
• Tomorrow (05/04/2026): The alert continues for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Malappuram.
• Monday (06/04/2026): Alerts are issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram.

Isolated heavy rainfall is expected, defined as 64.5mm to 115.5mm within a 24-hour period. From today through April 6th, isolated areas may also experience thundershowers and strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph.

Thunderstorms are dangerous. They pose a severe threat to human and animal life, damage electrical and communication networks, and can destroy household appliances.

Please follow these precautions the moment you notice signs of a storm. Do not wait for visible lightning, as strikes can occur unexpectedly.

Immediate Actions

• Seek Shelter: Move into a safe, enclosed building immediately at the first sign of lightning. Open areas significantly increase your risk of a strike.
• Secure the Home: Close all windows and doors. Stay away from them during the storm.
• Indoor Safety: Avoid touching walls or floors, as electricity can travel through structural materials.
• Outdoor Items: Secure or tie down any loose objects that could be blown away or cause damage in high winds.

Electronics and Appliances

• Power Down: Disconnect all household appliances from power outlets. Avoid proximity to electrical devices during the storm.
• Communication: Do not use landline telephones. Mobile phones are safe to use.

Outdoor and Recreational Safety

• Avoid High Ground: Do not sit on terraces, rooftops, or high points. If the sky is cloudy, keep children indoors and avoid playing on open terraces.
• Stay Away from Trees: Never stand under trees for shelter or park your vehicle beneath them.
• Kite Flying: Stop flying kites immediately if a storm approaches.

Travel and Vehicles

• Stay in Your Car: If you are on the road, stay inside your vehicle; it acts as a safe "Faraday cage." Ensure all limbs remain inside the vehicle.
• Avoid Two-Wheelers: If you are on a bicycle, motorcycle, or tractor, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.

Water and Plumbing Safety

• Plumbing Risks: Avoid bathing or collecting water from taps during a storm. Lightning can travel through metal and plastic pipes via the water.
• Boating and Fishing: Stop all fishing, boating, or swimming at the first sign of storm clouds. Do not stand on the deck of a boat; reach the shore as quickly as possible and seek cover.

General Precautions

• Household Chores: Do not run outside to retrieve laundry from lines or the yard once the storm begins.
• Stay Vigilant: Lightning can strike even if it isn't raining yet. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance.