IMD issues three-hour warning; thunderstorms and 40kmph winds expected across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department has issued an urgent weather warning for Kerala, predicting moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across six districts. Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram are on alert for the next few hours, with isolated locations expected to experience gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 kmph. While these thundershowers provide a brief respite from the recent yellow alerts for extreme heat—where temperatures in Palakkad reached 40°C—the IMD emphasises caution due to the risk of lightning strikes and sudden wind gusts.

In Kochi, the weather took a sharp turn today as rains resumed shortly after 5:00 PM, following a pattern of intense evening showers that began over the weekend. These rains have already proven destructive; yesterday’s downpour caused widespread power disruptions and significant property damage across Ernakulam district, including the uprooting of trees in Aluva. The agricultural sector has been hit particularly hard, with authorities in Angamaly and Muvattupuzha reporting massive losses. Cultivations of rubber, cocoa, nutmeg, and various vegetables were destroyed by strong winds and heavy rain, with preliminary estimates in Muvattupuzha alone reaching lakhs of rupees. Tragically, the sudden rise in water levels led to a fatal accident in the Muvattupuzha Avoly area, where a 17-year-old student lost his life after being swept away by currents.