IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in Kerala over the next five days, issuing a red alert for three districts on May 19 and 20. The districts under red alert are Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.

In addition, an orange alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam for the same period. The heavy downpours are expected to increase the risk of flash floods and waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas, with continued rainfall potentially triggering landslides.

The IMD predicts that heavy to very heavy rainfall will persist in south peninsular India until May 23, with particularly intense rainfall from May 19 to 21. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe on May 18 and 22, and South Interior Karnataka from May 18 to 20.

“Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also very likely over Tamil Nadu and Kerala during May 19-21,” the IMD added.

According to IMD data released last week, the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 31. “Southwest monsoon normally sets in over Kerala on June 1 with a standard deviation of about seven days. This year, the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala on May 31,” the IMD stated in a release.

The onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala marks a significant transition from the hot and dry season to the rainy season, providing much-needed relief from the summer heat as it progresses northward.