Southwest monsoon likely to reach Kerala by 26 May: Orange and yellow alerts issued in various districts

Orange alerts have been issued for Idukki and Malappuram, while yellow alerts cover several other districts, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala.

Published May 15, 2026 | 7:02 PM ⚊ Updated May 15, 2026 | 7:02 PM

Kerala rains. (Wikimedia)

Synopsis: The IMD press release further noted that “isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall also likely over northeast India during the week and over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe and South Interior Karnataka during next 3-4 days.” Orange alerts have been issued for Idukki and Malappuram, while yellow alerts cover several other districts, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala.

The IMD on Friday, 15 May, has stated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala around 26 May with a model error of ± 4 days, with favourable conditions for its advance over the south Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the next 24 hours.

A well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal is influencing weather conditions, with a cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above sea level.

The IMD press release further noted that “isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall also likely over northeast India during the week and over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe and South Interior Karnataka during next 3-4 days.”

Orange alerts have been issued for Idukki and Malappuram, while yellow alerts cover several other districts, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall across Kerala.

Palakkad recorded the highest temperature at 37°C, and officials have warned of possible flooding, landslides, traffic disruptions, and crop damage due to heavy rain and strong winds.

Weather in south India

The report further mentioned that the following weather conditions might prevail over the South Peninsular India.

Scattered to fairly widespread thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) likely over Kerala and Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, Interior Karnataka during 15– 19 May; Lakshadweep on 15 and 16 May.
Isolated heavy rainfall also likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during 15- 17 May, Kerala and Mahe on
16 and 17 May; Lakshadweep on 15 May; south interior Karnataka during 15 to 18 May; with very heavy rainfall at
isolated places of Kerala and Mahe on 15 May.
Hailstorm activity likely at isolated places over north interior Karnataka on 15 May

Warnings for fishermen

With widespread rain and thunderstorms expected until 21 May, along with strong winds along coastal areas, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the following areas during 15 to 20 May.

Bay of Bengal

Over Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, many parts of south Bay of Bengal, east central Bay of Bengal on 15 May.
Over Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, most parts of south, east central Bay of Bengal, adjoining parts of west central Bay of Bengal, along and off south Tamil Nadu coast on 16 May.
Over Gulf of Mannar, adjoining Comorin area, most parts of south, eastcentral Bay of Bengal, adjoining parts of westcentral Bay of Bengal, along and off south Tamil Nadu coast on 17 May.
Over Gulf of Mannar, adjoining Comorin area, most parts of south, east central Bay of Bengal, adjoining & some parts of westcentral Bay of Bengal, along and off south Tamil Nadu coast, along and off Myanmar coast on 18 May.
Over Gulf of Mannar, adjoining Comorin area, most parts of south, central Bay of Bengal, off Tamil Nadu coast on 19 May.
Over Andaman Sea during 15 to 20May.

Arabian Sea

Along and off Keralam, Karnataka coasts, over Lakshadweep, adjoining Maldives areas on 15 and 16 May.

(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)