IMD revises forecast: Orange alert in 4 Kerala districts, yellow in 10

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday revised an earlier forecast and issued an orange alert for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Meanwhile, a yellow alert was issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, warning of isolated heavy rainfall in various areas. Following continuous rain, the authorities opened the Peechi Dam at 10 am on Thursday. Residents along the Manali and Karuvannur river banks have been advised to remain cautious as water levels could rise by up to 20 cm. To regulate the level, water will be released into the Manalipuzha river through the sluice after power generation.

On friday the orange alert will remain in effect for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod with the addition of Malappuram. Meanwhile the yellow alert will remain in effect for Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. Heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 11 cm in 24 hours is likely at isolated places across Kerala on both days. According to the weather agency, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are also likely over Kerala till Sunday.

Meanwhile, the well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea intensified into a depression and was centred on Thursday near latitude 8.9°N and longitude 67.4°E, about 630 km west-southwest of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep) and 1,010 km southwest of Panjim (Goa). It is expected to move slowly north-northwestwards over the next 24 hours.

Another well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast is likely to intensify into a depression within the next 12 hours. It is expected to move northwestwards, crossing north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts during the subsequent 12 hours.

Probable impacts due to heavy rain
The weather agency has warned that the heavy to extremely heavy rainfall may cause several disruptions and damage across affected areas. Poor visibility due to intense rain could lead to traffic congestion and temporary disruption of movement owing to waterlogging, fallen trees, or broken branches, resulting in longer travel times.

Uprooted trees may damage power lines and vulnerable structures, while kutcha houses and huts face the risk of partial damage. There is also a likelihood of flash floods, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and landslides or mudslides in hilly regions. Surface and helicopter services may be regulated, and small ships and country boats could be affected by strong winds and heavy rain. Standing crops and vegetables in the maturity stage may suffer damage, while lightning poses a threat to people and cattle in open areas.

Authorities have advised the public to follow traffic advisories and avoid vulnerable areas prone to flooding or structural instability. Residents in risk-prone zones are urged to move to safer locations. Farmers are advised to prop up vegetable pandals, provide mulch at the base of crops, and avoid fieldwork during thunderstorms. Sowing should be postponed, and already seeded areas should be protected from water stagnation using natural mulching materials like straw or farm residues. People are also encouraged to stay updated with official weather alerts and take necessary precautions.