Kerala weather: Orange alert in 8 districts as heavy rain continues
Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for eight districts in Kerala for Friday, August 7, 2026, warning of very heavy rainfall. The alert covers Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.
The remaining six districts in the State have been placed under a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of isolated heavy rain. The warning comes as flash-flood-affected regions in Kerala experienced intensified rainfall on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
According to a weather bulletin released by the IMD on Thursday, an upper air cyclonic circulation lies over the southeast Bay of Bengal, while another upper air cyclonic circulation persists over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-Gangetic West Bengal coasts. The combined effect of these systems is likely to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, mainly in the hilly regions of the State, over the next two days.
Rainfall data recorded up to 5.30 p.m. on Thursday showed Ayyankunnu in Kannur district receiving the highest amount of 56 mm, followed by Vaikkom with 54.5 mm and Koothattukulam with 40 mm. These figures highlight the intensity of the downpour in various parts of the State.
An orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall, typically between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm in a 24-hour period, and is issued to warn residents and authorities of potential disruptions such as waterlogging, landslides and traffic issues. A yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall in isolated places, generally between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm, and advises people to stay updated on weather conditions.
The alert is particularly relevant for the hilly districts of Idukki and Wayanad, which are prone to landslides during intense monsoon spells. In recent weeks, several parts of Kerala have witnessed flash floods and landslips, prompting the State government to keep rescue teams on standby in vulnerable areas.
The IMD has advised residents in the affected districts to remain cautious and follow updates from local authorities. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea along the Kerala coast, though the bulletin did not specify any particular wind warning for the region.
The weather systems over the Bay of Bengal are expected to influence rainfall patterns until at least August 8. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will issue further updates as the systems evolve. State authorities have urged people in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid mishaps.
This latest spell of rain comes as Kerala is still recovering from the impact of earlier flood events, and the administration is coordinating with district collectors to ensure timely response in case of emergencies. Relief and rescue teams have been positioned in sensitive locations, and control rooms are functioning round the clock in all districts.
The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas and to stay away from rivers and streams that may swell suddenly due to the rainfall. Schools in orange-alert districts have been given the option to declare a holiday on Friday, according to local officials.
