Widespread heavy rain continued to lash Kerala on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for 10 districts, warning of strong winds and possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring rainfall to coastal Odisha over the next three days, the IMD said.
🌧️ Kerala: IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 10 Districts
The IMD has placed Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad under a yellow alert for October 21, forecasting heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm) in isolated areas.
“Intermittent heavy rain with gusty winds is likely across central and northern Kerala. People are advised to stay away from rivers and hilly regions prone to landslides,” the IMD bulletin said.
On Monday, several parts of the state — including Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kottayam — witnessed intense downpours, leading to waterlogging, uprooted trees, and traffic disruptions.
Authorities in Idukki and Wayanad have issued warnings to residents near slopes and riverbanks to remain vigilant as continuous rain raises the risk of landslides.
🌊 Cause: Low Pressure over Southeast Arabian Sea
According to the IMD, the current spell of rain is driven by an intensified low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea, which is likely to deepen into a depression in the coming days.
The system is expected to enhance rainfall activity as the northeast monsoon strengthens over Kerala in the next 48 hours.
“The monsoon flow is gaining strength and could bring moderate to heavy rain across the coastal and ghat regions of Kerala till Thursday,” said an IMD scientist in Thiruvananthapuram.
☔ Odisha: Light to Moderate Rain Expected for 3 Days
Separately, the IMD said a new low-pressure area is brewing over the Bay of Bengal, likely to form within 24 hours and bring light to moderate rain to Odisha and adjoining areas.
The weather office said an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the south Andaman Sea and the southeast Bay of Bengal is triggering cloud formation.
“Under its influence, a low-pressure area will form over the Bay in the next 24 hours. Coastal and interior Odisha are likely to experience rain and thundershowers over the next three days,” the IMD’s evening bulletin stated.
⚠️ Advisory Issued to Fishermen and Residents
- Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal due to strong winds (40–50 km/h) and rough sea conditions.
- District disaster management teams in Kerala are on standby, and control rooms have been activated in coastal and hilly districts.
- The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has also urged caution around electric lines and transformers amid heavy rain and strong winds.
📊 At a Glance: India Rain Updates (October 21, 2025)
| State | Key Districts | Alert Type | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala | Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad | Yellow Alert | Heavy rain, strong winds, possible landslides |
| Odisha | Coastal and interior regions | — | Light to moderate rain for 3 days due to Bay of Bengal low-pressure system |
| IMD Warning | Fishermen advisory | — | Avoid Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal until conditions improve |
