The southwest monsoon is poised to make its onset over Kerala, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday indicating that conditions have become favourable for its arrival and forecasting a significant increase in rainfall activity across the state in the coming days.
The onset of the monsoon over Kerala is closely monitored nationwide as it marks the beginning of the annual rainy season and serves as a key indicator for its advance across the rest of the country.
In anticipation of heavy rainfall, the IMD has issued orange alerts for seven districts on different days this week. Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram are under orange alert on Wednesday and Thursday, while Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode are under alert on Thursday.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant as weather experts have warned that isolated locations could receive between 11 cm and 20 cm of rainfall within a short period.
The forecast has raised concerns over the possibility of flash floods in urban areas and landslides in hilly regions, prompting disaster management agencies to intensify monitoring and preparedness measures.
The IMD has also issued yellow alerts for several other districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall across large parts of the state.
The approaching monsoon is expected to bring rough sea conditions and strong winds along Kerala’s coastline. Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, local bodies across the state have accelerated pre-monsoon preparedness measures, including the cleaning of drains, canals and waterways to reduce the risk of flooding.
After an intense summer marked by prolonged heat, the arrival of widespread monsoon showers is expected to provide relief across Kerala while ushering in the seasonal rainfall that supports agriculture, water resources and economic activity across much of India.
(With inputs from IANS)
