Thiruvananthapuram: Monsoon rain is expected to intensify across Kerala under the influence of Tropical Cyclone Wipha, which formed in the western Pacific Ocean. The India Meteorological Department has revised its forecast and sounded orange alert for Pathanamthitta and Idukki on Thursday in view of very heavy rain within 24 hours. An orange alert indicates rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours.

According to the latest forecast, heavy rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm is expected in the Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. These seven districts are placed under yellow alert on Thursday. 

As per the forecast at 1 pm on Thursday, moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds with speed reaching up to 40 kmph is expected in all districts by 4 pm. 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone, which has since weakened into a cyclonic circulation, is expected to enter the Bay of Bengal within 24 hours. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region in the following 48 hours. As a result, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Kerala until July 27. 

“Strong surface winds with speeds reaching 40–50 kmph are likely to prevail occasionally over Kerala and Lakshadweep on July 23, 2025. Strong surface winds with speeds reaching 50–60 kmph are likely to prevail occasionally over Kerala and Lakshadweep from July 24 to 27, 2025. Heavy rainfall (7 cm to 11 cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12 cm to 20 cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala on July 23 and from July 25 to 27, 2025. Heavy rainfall (7 cm to 11 cm in 24 hours) is very likely at one or two places in Kerala on July 24, 28, and 29, 2025,” reads the IMD alert.

In view of the flood risk, Irrigation Design and Research Board (IDRB) and Central Water Commission (CWC) have sounded an orange alert for the Achankovil River (Pathanamthitta) and Pallikkal River (Kollam). People are restricted from venturing into these rivers, and those who are living on these river banks are asked to remain vigilant.

Orange alert in districts
July 24 – Pathanamthitta, Idukki
July 25 – Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam
July 26 – Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad

Yellow alert in districts
July 24 – Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 25 – Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 26 – Thiruvanathapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 27 – Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
July 28 – Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod