Just ahead of the anticipated arrival of the northeast monsoon, heavy rains have once again lashed Kerala. An orange alert has been issued for Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki districts on Monday due to the possibility of intense rainfall, with up to 20 cm expected within 24 hours. Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for all other districts.
A cyclonic circulation is present over the Kerala-Lakshadweep coast and is expected to intensify into a low pressure system by Tuesday. It is likely to move westward with increased strength over the next few days. If it veers away from the Kerala coast, the intensity of rainfall is expected to diminish. However, if it remains close, heavy rainfall is anticipated to persist.
On October 17, a yellow alert had been declared for all districts except Kannur and Kozhikode. Fishing has been prohibited along the Kerala coast until Tuesday and on the Lakshadweep coast until October 18.
Between October 1 and 15, Kerala witnessed a 19 percent surplus rainfall. While the rains remain substantial, the official declaration of northeast monsoon arrival is yet to be made