The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued significant heavy rainfall warnings for the state of Kerala, with advisories effective until July 16 and an intensified forecast for the coming days. Initially, a series of yellow alerts were put in place, indicating potential for isolated heavy downpours. For Saturday, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts were specifically alerted. Looking ahead to Sunday, the yellow alert expanded to include Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. On Monday, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts will remain under yellow alert. In addition to rainfall, strong surface winds, expected to reach speeds of 40-50 kilometers per hour, are anticipated to prevail occasionally over Kerala and Lakshadweep until Saturday.

These meteorological conditions are primarily influenced by a low-pressure area that was previously over Gangetic West Bengal and has since shifted over south Jharkhand. This system is associated with a cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 kilometers above mean sea level. Furthermore, monsoon activity is expected to intensify across India over the coming days, driven by a new low-pressure area anticipated to form over the Bay of Bengal by July 24. As a result, Kerala is forecast to receive extremely heavy rainfall over the next five days, particularly in isolated areas until July 21. Strong winds, ranging between 40 and 50 kmph, are also likely in isolated parts of the state until July 22.

Adding to the warnings, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Sunday, July 20, for nine districts in Kerala, warning of very heavy rainfall. These districts include Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam districts are concurrently under a yellow alert. According to the IMD classification, an orange alert signifies the possibility of very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours, while a yellow alert indicates the likelihood of heavy rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm during the same timeframe.

In response to these weather warnings, the Kasaragod district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Sunday, July 20. This holiday applies to schools, colleges, professional colleges, Kendriya Vidyalayas, tuition centres, religious study centres, and special classes. However, examinations already scheduled for Sunday will proceed as planned, officials clarified.

Maritime areas are also under significant warning. Squally wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph, with gusts up to 65 kmph, are likely to affect several parts of the west-central Arabian Sea and the southern parts of the northwest Arabian Sea. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (Incois) has issued a specific swell surge alert for the Thiruvananthapuram coast, covering the stretch from Kappil to Pozhiyoor. This forecast indicates the likelihood of swell waves ranging from 1.6 to 2 meters in height with a period of 14-17 seconds, expected until 2:30 AM on Monday.

In light of these conditions, authorities have strongly advised residents in the alerted districts to remain vigilant and avoid venturing into water bodies or flood-prone areas. Incois has specifically warned of the possibility of surging waves along the coast, urging boats operating in affected areas to proceed with utmost vigilance and all recreational activities near the coast to be undertaken with extreme caution and due care. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the sea due to the possibility of rough conditions. With the monsoon expected to strengthen further, disaster management teams and local administrations have been placed on alert to respond to any emergencies, and the state government has urged people to follow weather updates and comply with official advisories to ensure their safety.