Parallelly, the INCOIS also has issued a high wave and sea surge alert along parts of Kerala and Kanyakumari coasts.
Published Jul 19, 2025 | 11:46 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 19, 2025 | 11:46 AM
Kerala rains. (Wikimedia)
Synopsis: The IMD has forecast widespread heavy rainfall in Kerala until July 21, with red alerts in five districts and strong wind warnings. INCOIS issued a sea surge alert along Kerala and Kanyakumari coasts. Educational institutions in Kasaragod, Wayanad and Kannur remain shut. Tamil Nadu also faces orange and yellow alerts, with moderate rain expected in southern, western, and coastal regions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rains in Kerala over the next five days, with very heavy rainfall from 18 to 21 July, with the most intense spells likely between 18 and 20 July.
The IMD has also warned of strong winds gusting up to 40–50 kmph at isolated places across Kerala from 18 to 21 July.
Along with the existing weather systems continuing to trigger intense rainfall across various parts of state, a new low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal by 24 July. At present, a low-pressure area lies over northwest Madhya Pradesh and southwest Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, a high-level cyclonic circulation persists over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, with another cyclonic circulation positioned over central Maharashtra.
Influenced by these systems, Kerala is expected to experience widespread rainfall over the next five days.
Parallelly, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) also has issued a high wave and sea surge alert along parts of Kerala and Kanyakumari coasts.
Waves reaching heights of 3.0 to 3.2 meters are expected from 20 July, affecting Thiruvananthapuram (Kappil to Pozhiyur), Kollam (Alappad to Edava), Alappuzha (Chellanam to Azhikkal), and Kannur-Kasargod (Kunchathur to Kottakunnu) until 5.30 pm.
Kanyakumari’s coast from Neerodi to Arogyapuram will face similar conditions until 8.30 am on 20 July. Authorities have also warned of potential coastal erosion during this period.
Following the warnings, fishermen and coastal residents have been urged to stay alert and follow safety instructions. “Beach tourism, sea-based recreational activities, and fishing operations must be suspended until the alert is withdrawn. Small boats and yachts are advised to avoid venturing out, and vessels should be securely moored with sufficient spacing to prevent collisions.” the safety instructions read.
On Saturday, 19 July, red alert (extremely heavy rain alert) has been issued for five districts, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while orange alert (heavy to very heavy rain) has been issued for four districts, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad
Educational institutions in Kasaragod, Wayanad and Kannur will remains closed due to heavy rains.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has urged the public to exercise caution, warning of potential tree falls, broken branches, and power line hazards. People have also been advised to avoid standing under trees, secure loose objects, and shift from unsafe structures if needed. Construction work has also been ordered to be halted during intense winds.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for parts of southern and western Tamil Nadu, warning of moderate rain in districts including Nilgiris, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Karur, Madurai, Thenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukkudi, Kanyakumari, and the ghat regions of Tiruppur and Coimbatore.
Residents in these areas may experience waterlogging, slippery roads, and minor traffic disruptions.
Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu, where light rain is likely at isolated places.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose, and Dileep V Kumar)
