Thunderstorm likely in Kerala; Yellow alert in 8 districts today

Thiruvananthapuram: After a brief lull, the monsoon is likely to intensify across Kerala. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for eight districts — Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod — on Wednesday. A yellow alert indicates rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

“Thunderstorms with lightning are very likely to occur at one or two places over Kerala from September 16 to 18, 2025. Heavy rainfall (7 cm to 11 cm in 24 hours) is very likely at one or two places in Kerala on September 18, 2025,” the IMD alert stated.

According to the Met Department, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the state until September 21.

Yellow alert in districts
September 17 - Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod

September 18 - Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur

Lightning warning sounded
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a warning, urging people to exercise extreme caution to avoid lightning strikes. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed when they hear thunder or see lightning.

The safety guidelines to avoid lightning strikes are as follows:

• Avoid going outdoors to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.
• Stay away from doors and windows and avoid touching the floor or walls.
• Unplug all electrical devices immediately and refrain from using them.
• Avoid using telephones during thunderstorms.
• If the sky is cloudy, prevent children from playing outside or on terraces.
• Never seek shelter under trees during lightning.
• If travelling by bus or car, stay inside the vehicle. If on a two-wheeler, stop and take shelter in a safe building.
• Avoid taking showers or collecting water from taps during thunderstorms.
• Refrain from venturing into water bodies for fishing or bathing.
• Ensure the safety of domestic animals by keeping them indoors during adverse weather conditions.
• Install lightning arresters on buildings to reduce the risk of lightning damage.