Kozhikode: Many parts of northern Kerala is set to witness heavy downpour for the next 5 days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thunder-showers across Kerala till October 3. Yellow alerts have been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod with an expected rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm.
Moderate rainfall is expected in few parts of Kottayam and Idukki districts till October 3 as per the IMD.
“Heavy rains accompanied by thunder-showers expected in northern districts of the state while, normal rainfall expected in central districts”, said a senior official at the IMD.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has also cautioned of thunderstorms with light to moderate showers and gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph at isolated places in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on Sunday evening.
According to the IMD, a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is now centered over south Odisha. With the southwest monsoon remaining active over Kerala, widespread rainfall has been reported across the state and Lakshadweep. The highest recorded on Saturday was 7 cm each at Peerumedu in Idukki and Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram.
Along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts, squally weather with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely to prevail until Sunday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these waters.
The IMD also warned of possible impacts of the heavy rain, including waterlogging on major roads, poor visibility, traffic disruptions, flooding in low-lying regions, uprooting of trees, power outages, and damage to houses and huts. Landslides and coastal hazards also remain a risk. Authorities have advised residents to avoid non-essential travel, stay in safe locations, and cooperate with traffic and disaster management measures.