Kerala Monsoon Arrives Ahead of Schedule: IMD Issues Red Alerts and Weather Warnings

Kerala: The southwest monsoon has officially arrived in Kerala, marking its earliest onset in 16 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The last time the monsoon arrived this early was on May 23, 2009.

The IMD warns of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours, especially in hilly areas where landslides, flash floods, and mudslides are possible. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations.

Meteorological models indicate strong westerly and northwesterly winds over Kerala for the coming week. A low-pressure area over the east-central Arabian Sea, near the Karnataka–Goa coast, has intensified and may become a depression within 24 hours. Another low-pressure system is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal by May 27, raising the risk of intense rainfall.

The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has warned of sea incursion along the Kerala coast due to the 'Kallakkadal' phenomenon, with wave heights ranging from 0.5 to 1.9 meters until 8:30 AM today. Similar conditions are likely along the Kanyakumari coast. Fishing is banned along Kerala’s coast until May 27.

In light of the Red Alert and continued rainfall, the Kozhikode District Collector has ordered a temporary suspension of all quarry operations, mining, well construction, and sand extraction. Access to water bodies, including riverbanks, beaches, and waterfalls, has also been restricted. Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel to hilly and ghat areas between 7 PM and 7 AM.

Red Alerts (Extremely Heavy Rainfall: >204.4 mm in 24 hours)

• May 24: Kannur, Kasaragod

• May 25: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

• May 26: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

• Orange Alerts (Very Heavy Rainfall: 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours)

• May 23: Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

• May 24: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad

• May 25: Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad

• May 26: Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad

• May 27: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

Yellow Alerts (Heavy Rainfall: 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours)

• May 23: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad

• May 24: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha

• May 25: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam

• May 26: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha

• May 27: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram

Safety Advisory for the Public: Residents in landslide-prone, flood-prone, and low-lying areas including riverbanks and dam reservoirs should follow authorities’ instructions and relocate to safer places as needed. Emergency shelters must be opened, and people in high-risk zones should move to these camps, preferably during daylight hours, coordinating with local bodies and revenue officials.

Those living in poorly constructed or unsecured houses should exercise extreme caution during strong winds. Attention is urged regarding falling trees, damaged electric posts, and other hazards caused by heavy rain and strong winds.

Avoid entering rivers, reservoirs, or water bodies for swimming, fishing, or any other activity during heavy rains.Coastal residents should remain vigilant against sea surges and possible flooding; fishing activities are banned until May 27.

Travelling during intense rainfall should be minimized, especially to waterfalls, reservoirs, and hilly areas. Exercise caution on roads near water bodies and construction zones. Report hazardous trees, poles, or unstable structures in public and private areas to authorities immediately.

Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies; guidelines are available from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

District and Taluk-level control rooms are operational across the state. For emergency assistance, citizens can contact 📞 1077 and 📞 1070. For detailed guidance on Orange and other alerts, residents can refer to the State Disaster Management Authority’s Orange Book 2024 available online.

Updates to alerts will be issued as the situation evolves. Residents are encouraged to monitor official social media channels of the Disaster Management Authority and the Kerala Meteorological Department for the latest information.