Will Heavy Rain Continue in Kerala? IMD Issues Alerts
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rains expected across Kerala until November 26.
- Yellow alerts issued for multiple districts.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted.
- Special caution advised for Sabarimala pilgrims.
- Fisherfolk advised against sea ventures.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 23 (NationPress) Intense rainfall along with thunder, lightning, and wind gusts reaching up to 40 km/h are anticipated to persist across Kerala on Sunday. This comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has broadened its alerts due to the intensifying cyclonic circulation in the southeast Arabian Sea.
A yellow alert has been issued for seven districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam, indicating ongoing wet conditions for several days ahead.
This yellow alert suggests rain levels between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour period, prompting both authorities and residents to take precautions.
The IMD forecasts that thunderstorms and heavy downpours are set to continue in Kerala until November 26, attributed to the existing weather patterns.
In its recent bulletin, the agency projected heavy rainfall between 7 cm and 11 cm within 24 hours at isolated locations across the state from November 22 to 26.
Similar weather conditions are also predicted for Lakshadweep on November 22 and 23. The IMD added that thunderstorms with lightning are likely in both Kerala and Lakshadweep during this timeframe.
As the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season is ongoing, the forecast raises concerns for devotees heading to the hill shrine, where moderate rainfall is expected in Sannidanam, Pampa, and Nilakkal on Sunday.
Authorities have advised pilgrims to plan their travels cautiously due to slippery paths, waterlogging, and decreased visibility from intermittent rain. The turbulent weather has also led to strict advisories for the marine community.
Fisherfolk along the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep have been warned against venturing into the sea from Sunday to Tuesday due to rough seas and strong winds between 35–55 km/h.
Deep-sea fishing vessels currently at sea are instructed to return to the nearest coast by Tuesday. Fishermen are also cautioned against entering the sea along the South Tamil Nadu coast, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, Andaman Sea, and the southeast and adjacent Bay of Bengal until Wednesday, given that the weather system could amplify wave activity.
Yellow alerts are active for multiple districts over the upcoming four days. On November 23, alerts are in effect for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki.
On November 24, the alert applies to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Palakkad, and Malappuram.
On November 25, the same districts, except for Palakkad and Malappuram, are under alert again for November 26.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as Kerala braces for several more days of widespread rainfall.