Monsoon ingress: Kochi among key areas under Yellow alert as Kerala braces for five-day wet spell

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Kerala over the next five days, prompting authorities to issue yellow alerts for several districts.

Today, a yellow alert is in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kozhikode. Weather officials warned that isolated regions across the state could experience thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h, a condition expected to persist until June 2.

District-wise alert schedule

The IMD has updated its yellow alert schedule for the upcoming days, anticipating isolated heavy rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm within a 24-hour window:

• May 31, 2026: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur.
• June 1, 2026: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.
• June 2, 2026: Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
• June 3, 2026: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur.

Official safety advisory: Lightning and wind precautions

Because lightning strikes pose a severe threat to human and animal life, as well as to power grids, communication networks, and household appliances, disaster management authorities urge the public to practice extreme caution. Safety measures should be implemented the moment storm clouds gather, even if lightning is not yet visible.

Indoor safety protocol

• Seek immediate shelter: Move into a structurally sound building at the first sign of a storm. Staying in open areas significantly elevates the risk of being struck.
• Secure the home: Keep all windows and doors firmly shut during heavy winds and lightning. Avoid standing near windows or doors, remain indoors, and minimize contact with walls and floors.
• Disconnect appliances: Unplug electrical equipment to protect them from power surges, and avoid handling appliances during the storm.
• Communication limits: Refrain from using landline telephones. However, using mobile phones is considered safe.
• Postpone household chores: Do not step out onto terraces or into yards to collect laundry when storm clouds gather. Additionally, avoid bathing or running tap water, as lightning can travel through plumbing.

Outdoor and travel safety

• Avoid open grounds: Children and adults alike should avoid playing on open grounds or terraces if the sky is overcast.
• Steer clear of trees: Never seek shelter under trees, and do not park vehicles underneath them, as they attract lightning and are susceptible to falling branches.
• Vehicle safety: If you are traveling in a car or a closed vehicle, remain inside with all windows rolled up. Avoid extending limbs outside. Conversely, those riding bicycles, motorcycles, or open tractors should immediately halt their journey and seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passes.
• Secure loose property: Tie down or secure outdoor objects that could be displaced or overturned by high winds.

Water-related restrictions

• Stay away from water bodies: Swimming, fishing, or bathing in open water during a thunderstorm is strictly prohibited.
• Boating guidelines: At the first sight of dark clouds, commercial and recreational boaters must suspend operations and head to the nearest shore. While on a vessel, avoid standing on the deck, and immediately pause activities like angling or casting nets.
• Recreation: Activities like kite flying must be completely avoided during this period.