Kerala on Orange, Yellow Alerts as Heavy Rain Intensifies

Heavy monsoon spell grips Kerala

Kerala has once again come under the grip of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placing several districts under orange and yellow alerts as continuous rainfall lashes the southern state.

According to the latest forecast, cloud bands associated with the strengthening southwest monsoon have triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated pockets, especially in central and northern Kerala. Urban centres have reported waterlogging, while rural and hilly regions are on alert for possible landslides.

Officials said the rainfall pattern is expected to remain active and intermittent, with short breaks followed by intense downpours, a typical feature of peak monsoon systems over the Western Ghats region.

What the alerts mean

The IMD uses a colour-coded warning system to communicate risk levels:

• Yellow alert indicates rainfall between 6–11 cm, advising caution.

• Orange alert signals very heavy rainfall (11–20 cm), urging preparedness and potential disruption to normal life.

In Kerala, orange alerts have been issued for select districts where rainfall intensity is expected to peak during the day, while yellow alerts cover surrounding regions anticipating moderate but persistent showers.

Officials have warned that continued rainfall may increase river levels, trigger flash floods in low-lying areas, and cause traffic disruptions in several districts.

Local impact: roads, rivers and daily life

Several parts of Kerala have already begun experiencing the impact of the downpour. Reports from district authorities suggest:

• Waterlogging in low-lying urban zones

• Reduced visibility affecting road travel

• Minor landslides in hilly terrain

• Temporary disruption in ferry and rural transport services

River monitoring stations have also been placed on alert, especially in areas close to the Western Ghats where runoff tends to rise rapidly during intense rainfall.

Local administrations have instructed disaster response teams to remain on standby, particularly in landslide-prone districts.

Why Kerala is experiencing intense rain

Meteorologists attribute the current spell to a combination of strong southwest monsoon currents and low-pressure formations over the Arabian Sea.

When moisture-laden winds hit the Western Ghats, they are forced upward, resulting in heavy rainfall on the windward side—Kerala being one of the most affected regions.

Experts also note that such active phases of monsoon are not unusual, but their intensity has become increasingly erratic in recent years due to shifting climate patterns.

A senior IMD official based in Thiruvananthapuram said, “We are observing sustained cloud formation along the coast. The system is likely to persist for the next 48 to 72 hours with intermittent heavy spells.”

Safety advisories issued

Authorities have urged residents to follow safety instructions during the alert period:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain spells

• Stay away from rivers, dams, and landslide-prone slopes

• Monitor official weather updates regularly

• Ensure drainage around homes is clear to prevent waterlogging

Disaster management teams have also advised local bodies to keep emergency shelters ready in case rainfall intensifies further.

Possible ripple effects in eastern India

While Kerala remains the immediate focus, weather systems originating in the southwest monsoon belt often influence rainfall patterns across eastern India.

States like West Bengal, especially northern districts including Siliguri and nearby hill regions, may experience increased humidity and intermittent rainfall as monsoon circulation strengthens.

Meteorologists suggest that while direct heavy rainfall impact in Bengal is not immediate, secondary cloud movements and moisture transfer could lead to scattered showers over the coming days.

What lies ahead

The IMD has indicated that the current spell is part of a broader active monsoon phase. If the system persists, Kerala could continue seeing patchy orange and yellow alerts over the next several days, especially in districts along the Western Ghats.

Officials are closely monitoring evolving pressure systems over the Arabian Sea, which could further influence rainfall intensity.

For now, the focus remains on preparedness and rapid response, as Kerala navigates yet another intense monsoon cycle.