Key Takeaways
- Authority: Official India Meteorological Department (IMD) press release
- Duration: Heavy rainfall warning valid 0830 hrs IST, June 22 through 0830 hrs IST, June 26 mausam.imd.gov.in
- Intensity: Yellow warning (7–11 cm in 24 hrs) for isolated places across 11 districts on Day 1, tapering to 4–7 districts on Days 2–3, before expanding again on Day 4 mausam.imd.gov.in
- Expert Insight: “A yellow warning indicates significant rainfall that can lead to waterlogging, reduced visibility, and potential disruptions,” explains Neetha K. Gopal, Head, IMD Thiruvananthapuram Meteorological Centre mausam.imd.gov.in
What’s Happening?
The IMD has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over Kerala under the influence of an active monsoon trough and a western disturbance interacting with the southwest monsoon current. The alert, classified as a Yellow Warning, signals 7–11 cm of rain in 24 hours at isolated locations—enough to cause:
- Poor visibility on roads
- Temporary traffic snarls due to waterlogging
- Uprooting of weak trees or tree‐branch breakage
- Minor flash‐flood risk in low‐lying areas mausam.imd.gov.in
District-Wise Breakdown
| Day | Date | Districts Under Yellow Warning (7–11 cm/24 hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 22 | Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod |
| 2 | June 23 | Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod |
| 3 | June 24 | Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod |
| 4 | June 25 | Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod |
| 5 | June 26 | Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasaragod |
— Source: IMD Thiruvananthapuram Centre mausam.imd.gov.in
Expert Analysis
“The monsoon trough’s northward shift and a mid‐latitude western disturbance are combining to intensify rainfall along Kerala’s coast,” says Dr. Chetan Singh, Senior Scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
“Climate change has also increased the frequency of such heavy‐rain events across South Asia, so timely warnings are critical for community preparedness.” ipcc.ch
How to Prepare
- Stay Informed
- Monitor IMD bulletins at imd.gov.in.
- Follow local district‐level meteorological centres on social media.
- Home & Community
- Clear drains and gutters.
- Secure loose objects outdoors.
- Check roof and window seals.
- Travel & Transport
- Avoid flooded roads; seek alternate routes.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy (Local Disaster Management Authority, 1070).
- Health & Safety
- Stock essential medicines and first‐aid supplies.
- Avoid walking through strong currents; use proper footwear.
Fact-Check
Claim: “All schools in Kerala are closed until June 26.”
Reality: Schools closures are at the discretion of individual district administrations based on ground conditions. As of June 22, no blanket directive has been issued by the Kerala government. Always verify via official district websites or news portals.
Daily Digest
- Updated Forecasts: IMD will publish the next round of bulletins at 0830 hrs IST daily.
- Rainfall Tracker: Kerala’s average June rainfall to date is 350 mm, about 20% above normal for this period (IMD).
- Upcoming Trend: A transient weak trough over the Bay of Bengal could push heavier showers into Tamil Nadu by June 27.
