The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala over the next few days, prompting the issuance of a red alert in select districts. The red alert is effective for May 19 and 20 in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki, while an orange alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam during the same period.
The weather department has also extended the orange alert to nine districts for May 21, with the likelihood of rainfall akin to that of a red alert. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are expected in isolated areas of Kerala from May 19 to 22.
Furthermore, an orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Malappuram districts for Saturday. A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm.
The IMD had previously forecasted substantial rainfall in the state between May 18 and 20 due to prevailing strong westerly and southwesterly winds.
