Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain and thundershowers across Kerala for the next two days. An orange alert was issued in four district and yellow in five on Friday.

Amid heavy rainfall, the Thiruvananthapuram district collector declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, on Friday. However, public examinations scheduled earlier will be conducted as planned.

With heavy rainfall causing a rise in the water level at Aruvikkara dam, shutters 1 to 5 were raised by 15 centimetres each (a total of 100 centimetres) at 8 am. The district collector has advised residents living near the dam to remain cautious.

Alerts

• Sept 26: Orange-Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki
• Yellow- Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam,  Thrissur
• Sept 27: Yellow- Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

The IMD said a new low-pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal. Ongoing cyclonic activity in the Pacific Ocean has already triggered widespread rain in Kerala since Wednesday night. Heavy showers are expected to continue in the southern districts on Friday, while northern parts of the state may also see intensified rainfall as the system approaches the coast.

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 Saturday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

The IMD warned of possible impacts from 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 urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, stay in safe locations and cooperate with traffic and disaster management measures.