Kerala Weather Update: IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert for Southern Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant heavy rainfall alert for multiple districts in south Kerala, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. This announcement comes as several districts across the state continue to experience above-normal temperatures, though a slight dip in maximum temperatures is anticipated in the southern regions over the coming days.
District-Specific Alerts and Weather Patterns
On Saturday, the IMD has placed Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki under a yellow alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall. The alert narrows on Sunday to include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki. Additionally, a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is very likely to occur at a few locations in Kerala until Monday, adding to the weather concerns.
In terms of maritime conditions, squally weather with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph, and gusts up to 60 kmph, is expected to prevail over parts of the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Comorin area. The IMD attributes this to a fresh upper air cyclonic circulation over the equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.
Cyclonic Circulation and Low-Pressure System
Under the influence of this cyclonic circulation, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region within the next 24 hours. It is projected to move west-northwestwards thereafter. A trough extends from this cyclonic circulation associated with the low-pressure area over the equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal to the Lakshadweep area, crossing south Tamil Nadu and south Kerala.
Temperature Trends Across Kerala
Meanwhile, temperature data reveals notable variations. Several districts have recorded a 2°C rise in maximum temperatures recently. Kottayam recorded the highest at 37°C, which is 2.6°C above normal, while CIAL Kochi saw a 2.1°C rise above normal at 36.9°C. Other readings include Kozhikode at 35.7°C and Thiruvananthapuram at 35.4°C.
In terms of minimum temperatures, Kannur experienced above-normal levels, while other areas in Kerala remained within normal ranges. Punalur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22°C.
Residents and authorities in the affected districts are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions during this period of anticipated heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms.
