Red Alert in Kerala! IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall Across Major Districts in Next 24 hrs; Kerala Weather Update

Kerala Weather: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for the Kannur, Kasaragod, and Thrissur districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall likely exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours.

As a safety measure, schools and colleges in these districts are closed: all educational institutions in Thrissur and Kasaragod, and selected ones in Kannur. Fishermen have been urged to avoid venturing into the sea during the warning period due to strong winds up to 60 km/h and rough sea states.

Cyclonic Circulation & Weather System Trigger

As per the IMD report, the intense rainfall in Kerala came from a cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, together with a trough stretching across Karnataka into Kerala, enhancing moisture inflow and heavy downpours.
IMD forecasts predict heavy to extremely heavy rains across the state for the next three to four days, mainly because of the strong westerly/northwesterly winds over Kerala and Lakshadweep regions.

Kerala has a history of monsoon-induced flooding and landslides. The state has been experiencing extreme monsoon rains for a very long time. In 2018, over 480 lives were lost, and in 2020, Rs. 19,000 crore in damages were caused.

Alert Levels Across Kerala: Current Status

Red Alert has been issued in Kannur, Kasaragod, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Malappuram on August 5, expecting heavy rainfall greater than 20 cm in the next 24 hours.

An orange alert for the districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Kottayam, and Alappuzha has been announced for expected rainfall around 12-20 cm.

Yellow Alert has been issued by IMD in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod, and Wayanad.

Flooding, Dam Levels & Waterlogging Reported

Thrissur saw critical waterlogging across multiple areas and road flooding; tourist sites like Athirappilly and Vazhachal are closed as a precaution.

In Kochi, low-lying neighbourhoods, including the city centre and Thrippunithura, faced severe inundation, with taxis plunging into open canal sections.

Dams and rivers in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Wayanad, Palakkad, and Thrissur have reached "third stage" alert levels, prompting water-release advisories.

Safety Measures and Public Advisories

School holidays declared in response to Kerala rains: full closures in Thrissur and Kasaragod; limited in Kannur.

A fishing ban has been imposed in affected coastal areas due to severe wind and sea conditions.

Mining and tourist entry restrictions in Kannur district to avert accidents during the red alert period in Kerala.

IMD Advisory: Rain May Ease After Mid‑Week

Heavy rainfall is expected to persist through Thursday, with the worst concentrated on August 6-7, before gradually easing by Friday. Residents in low-lying, hilly, or flood-prone zones are urged to stay alert and follow district-level advisories.