Low-pressure trough, cyclonic circulations to bring continued rain in Kerala; yellow alert in four districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rain is expected to continue across Kerala for the next five days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A yellow alert has been issued for four districts — Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam — where isolated heavy rainfall is forecast.

Heavy rainfall refers to precipitation ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm within 24 hours. The IMD has advised people to follow safety precautions as strong winds and thunderstorms are also likely to accompany the rain.

A cyclonic circulation persists over the Gulf of Mannar and the adjoining coastal areas of southern Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 0.9 km above mean sea level. A low-pressure trough extending from this circulation towards north-central Maharashtra passes through interior Tamil Nadu and interior Karnataka. The IMD has also forecast the possibility of a low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal.

Another cyclonic circulation over the Strait of Malacca is expected to move into the Andaman Sea on Sunday. It is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal by October 13.

Isolated places in Kerala and Lakshadweep are likely to receive thundershowers accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph on Saturday and Sunday, the IMD warned. Isolated thunderstorms and rain are also likely in Kerala from October 12 to 14, the weather department said.