Heavy rain forecast in Keralam for next five days; IMD issues district alerts
KERALAM is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places.
The wet spell is being driven by a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast. The weather system is expected to bring further rainfall to Kerala and neighbouring regions.
Another low-pressure area may develop over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around October 23, potentially intensifying rainfall activity over parts of southern India.
According to the IMD's forecast, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Kerala and Mahe on October 22, 24 and 25, while heavy rainfall is expected on October 23. Residents should remain alert to changes in local weather conditions.
The IMD has issued district-level rainfall alerts for different parts of the state. On Thursday, October 22, a yellow alert has been announced for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur. Alerts may vary from day to day depending on the rainfall forecast.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also possible. Heavy downpours could reduce visibility, disrupt traffic and cause waterlogging. Low-lying areas and locations vulnerable to landslides or mudslides require particular caution.
The public is advised to follow official IMD updates, avoid unnecessary travel through flooded roads and stay away from unstable slopes and waterlogged areas during intense rainfall. Fishermen should comply with official warnings against venturing into the sea.
The IMD has also warned of rough seas and strong winds over parts of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in the coming days.
Meanwhile, as many as 12 cows which were being reared free-range on Cheruvally Estate in Erumeli, Kottayam, were killed in lightning strikes amid heavy rain on Wednesday evening (October 21, 2026).
Necropsy of the carcasses confirmed that the animals died after being struck by lightning, officials of the District Veterinary Office said.
Signs of a lightning strike were also found on a tree and the ground near the spot where the carcasses were found. The animals were buried using an earthmover after the examinations.
Hundreds of cows are reared on the estate, with cattle rearing serving as a major source of income for workers.
