Will Heavy Rains Continue in Kerala? IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Several Districts
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall expected across Kerala.
- IMD has issued yellow alerts for multiple districts.
- Warnings for fishermen to avoid the sea.
- Precautions advised for Sabarimala pilgrims.
- Weather conditions being closely monitored.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 23 (NationPress) Expect persistent heavy rainfall, accompanied by lightning, thunder, and gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph, across Kerala this Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has broadened its alerts due to a strengthening cyclonic circulation in the southeast Arabian Sea.
The IMD has declared a yellow alert for seven districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam, warning of ongoing wet conditions over the next few days.
A yellow alert indicates expected rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period, urging local authorities and residents to stay vigilant.
The IMD forecasts thunderstorms and heavy showers to persist in Kerala until November 26 due to the current weather dynamics.
In its recent bulletin, the agency noted that heavy rainfall of between 7 cm and 11 cm is likely in one or two areas of the state from November 22 to 26.
Similar weather conditions are anticipated for Lakshadweep on November 22 and 23, with thunderstorms likely in both Kerala and Lakshadweep throughout this time.
As the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season is in progress, the forecast has raised concerns for devotees heading to the hill shrine. Moderate rainfall is expected in Sannidanam, Pampa, and Nilakkal on Sunday.
Authorities have advised pilgrims to plan their journeys with caution, considering potential slippery pathways, waterlogging, and reduced visibility caused by intermittent rainfall. The tumultuous weather has led to strict advisories for the marine community.
Fisherfolk along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts are warned against venturing into the sea from Sunday to Tuesday due to rough conditions and strong winds of 35–55 kmph.
Deep-sea fishing vessels currently at sea have been instructed to return to shore by Tuesday. Fishermen have also been cautioned against entering the waters along the South Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, Andaman Sea, and the southeastern and adjacent Bay of Bengal until Wednesday, as the weather system may escalate wave activity.
Yellow alerts are active for multiple districts over the coming four days. On November 23, alerts are in effect for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
On November 24, the districts under alert include Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Palakkad, and Malappuram.
On November 25, the alert remains for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki. The same districts, except for Palakkad and Malappuram, are under alert again for November 26.
Authorities are carefully monitoring the situation as Kerala braces for several more days of significant rainfall.