Kerala Weather: Heavy Rains And Orange-Yellow Alerted; Are Schools Shut On July 25? Is It Public Holiday?

The monsoon has intensified in Kerala as the warnings of Cyclone 'Wipha' have emerged over the north Bay of Bengal. Air pressure has dropped, and heavy rains are expected to lash Kerala till July 29, 2025. Accordingly, IMD has issued an orange alert for the state. Notably, several districts have declared school holidays. However, it is not a public holiday for the citizens. Though daily commuting could be impacted.

Cyclone Wipha:

IMD has called the latest cyclone 'WIPHA,' which has emerged over the north Bay of Bengal since July 24.

Accordingly, IMD said, under the influence of these, widespread rainfall activity with Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) to very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala from 24th to 26th July 2025 and Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala from 27th to 29th July 2025.

Kerala Rain Alerts:

Kerala Rains Prediction On July 25:

Heavy rains or thundershowers are most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Orange Alert: IMD has issued orange alerts in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam & Idukki on July 25.

Yellow Alert: A yellow alert is issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur & Kasaragod.

Kerala Rains On July 26:

On this day as well, rain or thundershowers are most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Orange Alert: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur & Palakkad.

Yellow Alert: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur & Kasaragod.

Kerala Rains On July 27:

Heavy rains or thundershowers are most likely to occur on July 27, at most places in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

On this day, only a yellow alert is issued.

Yellow Alert: Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur & Kasaragod

Kerala Rains On July 28:

On this day, rain or thundershowers are most likely to occur at most places in Kerala and many places in Lakshadweep.

Yellow Alert: Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur & Kasaragod

IMD is predicting strong winds with speeds reaching 50-60 kmph are likely to prevail occasionally over Kerala from 24th to 28th July 2025 and over Lakshadweep from 24th to 27th July 2025.

Also, IMD estimates heavy rainfall to very heavy rainfall (12cm to 20cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala from 24th to 26th July 2025 and Heavy rainfall (7cm to 11cm in 24 hours) is very likely to occur at one or two places in Kerala from 27th to 29th July 2025.

Kerala Holiday:

Are Schools Closed In Kerala On July 25?

Due to heavy rains and strong winds warning, and the weather turning intense, all educational institutions in Idukki and Ernakulam districts have reportedly declared a holiday on July 25. Meanwhile, in the Kottayam district, a holiday was declared in three taluks, namely Kottayam, Meenachil, and Kanjirappally.

As per OnManorama, the holiday applies to all schools, professional colleges, anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centres, training institutes, and Kendriya Vidyalayas, including residential institutions. However, previously scheduled examinations will be conducted as planned.

Is There A Public Holiday In Kerala?

No official statement has been made regarding the public holiday. Accordingly, all private and government offices will be opened; however, chances of remote working could be announced as precautionary measures for employees.

How Cyclone WIPHA May Impact Kerala?

As per IMD, the following impacts could be expected during these days in Kerala due to the cyclone:

- Visibility may become poor due to an intense spell of rainfall, leading to traffic congestion.

- Temporary Disruption of traffic due to waterlogging in roads/ uprooting of trees/ breaking of tree branches leading to
increased travel time.

- Uprooting of trees may cause damage to the power sector

- Possibility of damages to vulnerable structures due to heavy to very heavy rainfall

- Partial Damages to Kutcha Houses and Huts due to uprooting of trees.

- Possibilities of Flash floods due to an intense spell of rainfall.

- Water logging/flooding in many parts of low-lying areas.

- Landslides/mud slide/landslides are very likely.

- Heavy rainfall may damage the standing crops and vegetables in the maturity stage.

- Lightning may injure people and cattle in an open place.

- Dispersion of soil from the field, hence seed displacement and poor germination of seeds.

What Precautions Can Keralites Take During Cyclone Wipha?

- Follow traffic advisories issued, if any.

- Avoid staying in a vulnerable structure.

- Avoid going to the areas that face waterlogging problems/ river fronts.

- People in the vulnerable area are advised to move to safer places.

- Propping of the vegetable pandals is recommended.

- Take shelter during thunderstorms/lightning activities.

- Provide mulch at the base of the crop to prevent soil and root damage.

- Avoid working in the fields during the thunderstorm/lightning period and ensure a proper mechanism to avoid runoff in case of
rain.

- Postpone sowing of seeds; if already sown, avoid water stagnation in the field and cover the seeded area with natural mulching materials like straw, farm residues, etc.

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