Heavy rain expected in Kerala: Travel disrupted as IMD issues 'Red' alerts; advisory issued

Those planning a trip to Kerala this week must reconsider their travel plans as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted extremely heavy rainfall across the state. The weather department has issued ‘Red’ alerts which means the highest level of weather warning.

The red alerts have been issued for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod. In addition to this, ‘Orange’ alerts are in place for ten more districts in Kerala for very heavy rainfall including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad are under Orange alert for Thursday, with additional weather warnings extending into the weekend.

Given the current weather scenario, the authorities have declared a holiday for all educational institutions in Kasaragod, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Wayanad. These districts are among the most severely affected, as per IMD advisories.

This increase in rainfall is being attributed to a strengthening westerly wind system over Kerala and the development of a low-pressure area over the north-west Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast. The IMD also predicts that this system will intensify into a deep depression within the next 24 hours, likely leading to prolonged rainfall in the coming days.

Travellers currently in Kerala or planning trips to the state should be gear for some major weather-related disruptions. IMD’s latest radar imagery suggests that Idukki and Ernakulam could experience intense rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming hours, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 km/h. Kannur is also expected to see moderate rainfall and winds up to 40 km/h.

The IMD defines “extremely heavy rainfall” as more than 204.4 mm in 24 hours—levels that are anticipated in the four Red alert districts.

Looking ahead, the IMD has issued alert:


Red Alert (Extremely Heavy Rainfall):
May 29 – Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur, Kasaragod
May 30 – Additional districts including Ernakulam and Thrissur.

Orange Alert (Very Heavy Rainfall):
May 29–31 – Various districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad.

Yellow Alert (Heavy Rainfall):
May 31–June 1 – Spanning central and northern Kerala

The IMD has also warned people of potential flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides, especially in hilly and low-lying regions.

Travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels.