THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rains are intensifying in the state. Widespread rains are likely to lash the state on Saturday, said the meteorological department. Yellow alert has been declared in six districts. The heavy rainfall is due to the formation of a double low pressure region in the Arabian Sea.

Yellow alert has been declared in the districts of Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. There has been a ban on fishing due to the possibility strong waves. Those residing in coastal areas should remain vigilant.

Rains are likely to intensify in the northern districts of the state. Meanwhile, district in-charge Minister A K Saseendran will hold a meeting to review the disaster relief works in Wayanad.

Meantime, weather experts said that strong winds blowing in isolated places in the state is a rare phenomenon. According to experts, the intensity of the winds in Kozhikode and Kothamangalam was relatively high. The wind speed was about 60 to 80 km per hour. The rare phenomenon occurred because of the changes in the structure of clouds due to climate change. Such eddies have been increasing in recent times and further study is required into the changes, said meteorologists.