The northeast monsoon has commenced in Kerala, prompting weather authorities to issue warnings of heavy rainfall across the state over the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed four districts under an orange alert, signaling very heavy rain in isolated areas, while eight additional districts are under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall.

The districts under the orange alert include Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Those under the yellow alert are Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. The IMD’s forecast indicates that heavy rain is expected at scattered locations, with precipitation likely to continue through the weekend.

In addition to rainfall, the weather department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in parts of the state. Wind speeds reaching 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are anticipated at isolated locations. Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms and to avoid exposure to lightning.

The forecast extends beyond the weekend, with heavy rainfall expected at isolated places between October 16 and 20, suggesting that the northeast monsoon’s impact could persist for several days. Residents in affected areas are being urged to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions as the monsoon season unfolds.