IMD Issues Red Alert For Kerala, Karnataka; Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Many States in India

Many parts of India will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall ahead of the monsoon, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). This includes coastal and southern interior Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe. Meanwhile, the west coast and peninsular region will see heavy to very heavy rainfall from May 20 to 26.

According to PTI, a red alert has been issued for four districts of North Kerala- Kasaragod, Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikode. In Palakkad, Malappuram and Thrissur, an orange alert has been issued. For Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha, the IMD has issued a yellow alert.

Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has stated that the districts where a red alert has been issued can receive "extremely heavy rainfall," exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours. Authorities have asked the public to exercise extreme caution with respect to the weather warnings. The heavy rainfall could lead to landslides, flash floods and waterlogging in parts of the state.

As per the latest bulletin by the IMD, “The conditions are likely to become favourable for Monsoon onset over Kerala during the next 4-5 days.” The state could witness extremely heavy rainfall ( over 20 cm) in the northern region on May 20. A similar situation is expected in the coastal and Ghat areas of Karnataka on May 20-21.

Apart from that, strong surface winds are likely at isolated places in Kerala, Mahe, Konkan, Goa, coastal Karnataka and Lakshadweep. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall can take place over the Ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on May 20.

Light/moderate rainfall is also forecast for parts of western India over the next few days, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph likely. Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, and Marathawada will face isolated to scattered rainfall from May 20 to 24. During the same duration, parts of Gujarat will see scattered showers as well.

“Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over south Madhya Maharashtra during 21st-23rd; Konkan & Goa during 20th24th May and isolated heavy rainfall over Konkan & Goa on 25th & 26th; south Madhya Maharashtra during 20th -24th; Marathawada on 21st & 22nd; Saurashtra & Kutch on 23rd & 24th; Gujarat Region during 22th-24th May,” the IMD said in its afternoon bulletin.  

Conversely, heat wave conditions will prevail over parts of west and east Rajasthan. Odisha will experience hot and humid conditions as well. In isolated pockets of Punjab and south Haryana, warm night conditions will prevail during May 20 to 22.