IMD issues yellow alert in 5 Kerala districts; heavy rain, thunderstorms likely till May 26
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Kerala due to heavy rainfall. On Saturday, the alert covers Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur. On Sunday, the alert has been extended to Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. A yellow alert indicates isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the affected districts.
Meanwhile, rain occurred at many places in Kerala on Friday. Extremely heavy rainfall was reported in Mavelikkara (23 cm) and Kayamkulam (21 cm) in Alappuzha district. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded at Mancompu and Nooranad (12 cm each), Haripad and Karumadi (10 cm each), Cherthala, Thalassery, Paripalli, Vaikkom (9 cm each), and Kozhikode (7 cm). Other districts reported rainfall ranging from 1 to 6 cm over the last 24 hours.
Maximum temperatures across Kerala remained largely unchanged, with Kozhikode witnessing slightly above normal temperatures. Palakkad recorded the highest maximum temperature at 35.8°C.
The southwest monsoon was expected to continue affecting Kerala and Lakshadweep over the next seven days. Rain or thundershowers were likely at most places from May 22 to May 28. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (40–50 kmph) were also expected at one or two locations till May 26.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant as heavy rains may cause poor visibility, traffic congestion, waterlogging, uprooting of trees, and disruption of power supply. Vulnerable structures may suffer damage, and flash floods or landslides were possible in hilly areas. Agricultural crops, especially vegetables in the maturity stage, may also be affected. Lightning could pose risks to people and animals in open areas, while soil erosion may affect newly sown fields.
Safety measures include following traffic advisories, avoiding waterlogged and flood-prone areas, taking shelter during thunderstorms, protecting crops with mulching, and postponing sowing in vulnerable fields. People living near riverbanks or in low-lying areas were advised to move to safer locations.
Fishermen along and off the Kerala coast were warned of squally weather till May 26, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph.