Kerala: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across Kerala for the next five days and issued a red alert for three districts on May 19 and 20.
The red alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts, signaling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. In addition to the red alert, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam on the same days, indicating very heavy rainfall in these areas.
The IMD warns that heavy downpours may lead to flash floods and waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas. Persistent rainfall could also trigger landslides in susceptible regions.
According to the IMD’s forecast on Saturday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over southern peninsular India until May 23, with extremely heavy falls predicted between May 19 and 21. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe on May 18 and 22, and over South Interior Karnataka from May 18 to 20.
“Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also very likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala during May 19-21,” the IMD added.
The IMD’s recent data suggests that the southwest monsoon is likely to hit Kerala on May 31, marking an earlier-than-usual onset.
“Southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala on June 1 with a standard deviation of about seven days. This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 31,” the IMD said in a release.
The advance of the southwest monsoon over the Indian mainland is marked by its onset over Kerala, signaling the transition from the hot and dry season to the rainy season. This progression brings relief from the scorching summer temperatures as it moves northward, the IMD added.
The state authorities are urged to prepare for potential emergencies and ensure necessary measures are in place to mitigate the impacts of the predicted heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and follow safety guidelines.
