IMD predicts early monsoon arrival in Kerala; rain intensifies, alert issued in 12 districts today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala by May 26 this year. According to the weather department, the monsoon has advanced further into parts of the southeast Arabian Sea and areas near Kanyakumari. The IMD also said the monsoon has spread across more parts of the southwest and southeast Bay of Bengal, most parts of the Andaman Sea, the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and some parts of the east-central Bay of Bengal. This indicates an early onset of the monsoon in Kerala.

A cyclonic circulation is currently present over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions. A trough has also formed from this system to the southeast Arabian Sea near south Lakshadweep, passing through Kerala, south interior Karnataka, and Rayalaseema.

The IMD has forecast rain in Kerala for the next five days. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued in several districts. An orange alert has been declared today in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The department has warned of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. According to the IMD, “very heavy rainfall” means rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours.

Yellow alert districts

• May 18, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
• May 19, 2026: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

The IMD said isolated heavy rainfall is expected in these districts. “Heavy rainfall” refers to rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within 24 hours. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely.