Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is expected to witness heavy rainfall in the next seven days as the cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea can develop into a severe low-pressure area. According to the India Meteorological Department, the low-pressure area is likely to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunder to Kerala.

“The upper air cyclonic circulation over southeast Arabian Sea & adjoining Lakshadweep area extending upto 5.8 km above mean sea level tilting southward with height persists. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over southeast Arabian Sea & Lakshadweep area off Kerala-Karnataka coasts around 18th October, 2025. Thereafter, it is likely to move west north-westwards and intensify into a depression during subsequent 48 hours,” reads the IMD alert.

Heavy rain is continuing in isolated places across Kerala following the onset of northwest monsoon on October 16.

The Met Department has placed 10 districts- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrisur, Malappuram and Kozhikode under yellow alert on Friday. A yellow alert indicates rainfall ranging 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours.

Yellow alert in districts
Oct 18 – Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
Oct 19 – Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Oct 20 – Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Oct 21 – Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod

Thunderstorm and strong wind warning
The IMD has asked the public to exercise extreme caution as thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speed reaching 30-40 kmph is very likely to occur at one or two places over Kerala from Friday to Tuesday (Oct 17-21).

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off the Kerala coast in view of the adverse weather conditions till October 21.

As the state is expected to witness strong winds accompanied by heavy rain, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has issued a public advisory asking the public to stay vigilant.

The safety guidelines are as follows:

• Avoid Trees & weak structures: Do not stand under trees or park vehicles beneath them during wind and rain. Trim dangerous branches around your home.
• Secure loose items: Tie down or remove objects like signboards, poles, or sheets that could fall or fly away.
• Stay Indoors: Close doors and windows during strong winds. Stay away from them and avoid rooftops.
• Relocate If Needed: If staying in weak or temporary structures (like tiled or sheet-roof houses), shift to safer buildings as advised by authorities.
• Report hazards: Inform local authorities if you notice dangerous trees or damaged electric poles.
• Electric safety: Stay away from fallen power lines. Report to KSEB (1912) or the District Disaster Control Room (1077). Don’t attempt repairs yourself.
• Early morning workers: Delivery workers and others should be cautious. Check for waterlogged areas with possible fallen wires before proceeding.
• Farm safety: Ensure electric lines passing through farms are safe before entering fields.
• Construction work: Stop all construction work during strong winds and move to a safe location.