THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Kerala is likely to receive heavy rainfall today. Following this, a yellow alert has been issued in various districts. The yellow alert has been sounded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts. The IMD has forecasted isolated heavy rains in these districts.

Although the IMD has not issued a yellow alert in Thrissur and Palakkad districts, people living in hilly areas of these districts have been asked to exercise caution. The IMD said that isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Malappuram districts are likely to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning and gusty winds reaching a speed of 40 kmph in the next three hours.

Strong winds with speeds of 40 to 45 kph and sporadic gusts as high as 55 kph are likely along the Kerala coast. According to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), the Kerala coast may experience storm surge and waves up to 1.8 meters high till 11.30 pm on October 17.

Additionally, the IMD advised fishermen in Kerala and Lakshadweep to avoid going out to sea.