Widespread rains likely in state today; yellow alert in 14 districts, fishermen advised not to venture into sea

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Widespread rains are likely to lash the state on Saturday, said the meteorological department. Yellow alert has been declared in all 14 districts. Fishermen have been directed not to venture into the sea till Tuesday. Heavy rains are likely in the eastern areas of the state.

Isolated heavy rains are also likely due to the monsoon and the low pressure area that extends from north Karnataka to south Tamil Nadu.

Although the monsoon is weak now, rains will intensify by July and August, said the meteorological department. Currently, northern districts are receiving isolated showers, whereas intermittent showers are observed in southern districts.

As of now, there has been 59 per cent drop in rainfall. Of the expected 345.6 mm rainfall, only 145 mm was received so far. Heavy rains are forecasted in August based on the current situation and that of previous years. However, heavy rains or the possibility of floods cannot be predicted now, said the experts.