Kochi: India meteorological department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall alert for Kerala for the next two days. Widespread rainfall activity will continue until July 3. Strong westerlies are likely to prevail over Kerala and Lakshadweep in the lower tropospheric levels for the next two days.An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad on Saturday, while the remaining districts are on yellow alert. On Sunday, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad are on yellow alert.Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50kmph, gusting to 60kmph, is likely along and off Kerala coasts. Incois issued a high wave alert for Kannur and Kasaragod coasts.

The trough from northeast Arabian Sea to the cyclonic circulation associated with low-pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal has merged with an east-west trough running from the cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan to Bangladesh across east Rajasthan.

A fresh upper-air cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Bangladesh and West Bengal on Sunday. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region during the subsequent 24 hours.

Several places in the state recorded widespread rainfall. According to the 24-hour rainfall recorded on Friday morning, Kayamkulam and Ernakulam South recorded 12cm while Mavelikkara, Haripad, Aluva and Thalassery recorded 11cm each. Cherthala, Kumarakom and Aluva received 10cm.Due to dangerously rising water levels, central water commission issued an orange alert for Kallooppara station of Manimala river in Pathanamthitta. A yellow alert has been issued for Pamba (Madamon station) and Achankovil (Thumpamon station) in Pathanamthitta; Thodupuzha (Manakkad station) in Idukki and Keecheri (Kottappuram station) in Thrissur district.