A strengthening low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal has put a rain cloud over Kerala's Onam celebrations, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for eight districts as the state heads into the most important days of its biggest festival. First Onam falls on 25 August and Thiruvonam — the centrepiece of the celebrations — on 26 August.

Districts Under Alert

The yellow alert on Monday, 24 August covers Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. The alert is set to continue in three of these districts through Tuesday, with unsettled weather conditions expected to persist across several parts of the state. Notably, the IMD has not issued a specific rain warning for Thiruvonam itself as of Monday, offering some relief to festival planners.

Coastal Warning and Fishing Ban

The weather threat extends beyond inland rainfall. Fishing has been completely banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts in view of heavy rain and strong wind forecasts. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of possible coastal inundation under the Kallakkadal phenomenon — a condition where long-period swells cause sea water to surge inland without a storm directly overhead. Waves of between 0.9 and 1.3 metres are expected along the Kerala coast until 11.30 pm on Monday. Fishing vessels have been advised to remain anchored in harbours, and coastal residents as well as tourists have been urged to avoid beach visits and sea-based recreational activities until the warning is lifted.

Festival Mood Holds Despite Weather Concerns

Streets, markets, and shopping centres across the state have been buzzing with pre-Onam activity, with families making preparations for the traditional Onam sadya (feast) and floral arrangements. Public events, cultural programmes, and community gatherings are scheduled throughout the festival period. Authorities are keeping close watch on the evolving weather system, particularly as celebrations enter their peak phase over the next two days.

What to Watch

The critical question for Kerala is whether the low-pressure system intensifies further or weakens before Thiruvonam on 26 August. A direct hit on the main celebration day could push outdoor events indoors and disrupt the large public gatherings that are central to Onam's communal character. This is not the first time festival weather has been a concern — Kerala's southwest monsoon typically peaks around this period, making late-August celebrations a perennial balancing act between festive cheer and weather caution.