Cyclone Fengal Update: IMD Warns of Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across Kerala

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for northern Kerala as Cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu, intensifies and moves towards the Arabian Sea. The cyclone is expected to pass over northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3, bringing significant rainfall and thunderstorms to the region.

Kerala is forecast to experience widespread light to moderate rain on Monday, with isolated areas receiving very heavy rainfall. The northern and central parts of the state are expected to see heavy to very heavy rain on Tuesday, with intermittent light to moderate showers and occasional thunderstorms persisting over the next five days.

Red alerts have been issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts, signaling extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, and Ernakulam are under an orange alert for rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm, while Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta are on a yellow alert for rain between 6 cm and 11 cm.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan urged residents to remain vigilant as rainfall intensity increases in northern Kerala. In response, the Kasaragod district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, tuition centres, anganwadis, and madrasas, on Tuesday. However, model residential schools will remain operational.

The IMD has also advised caution as Cyclone Fengal is expected to trigger adverse weather conditions across affected areas. Residents and local authorities are urged to take preventive measures to mitigate risks associated with heavy rainfall and flooding.