The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, 2025, eight days earlier than the usual onset date. This marks the earliest monsoon onset since 2009 (May 23) and the second earliest since 1990 (May 19) in the past five decades.
Due to the forecast of extremely heavy rainfall, the IMD has issued a red alert for several districts over the next few days, warning of rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours, which could lead to flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. An orange alert has been issued for very heavy rainfall (115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours), and a yellow alert for heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours) in other districts.
Red Alert (Extremely Heavy Rainfall: >204.4 mm in 24 hours)
- May 24, 2025: Kannur, Kasaragod
- May 25, 2025: Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
- May 26, 2025: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
Orange Alert (Very Heavy Rainfall: 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours)
- May 24, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
- May 25, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad
- May 26, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha
- May 27, 2025: Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
- May 28, 2025: Kannur, Kasaragod
Yellow Alert (Heavy Rainfall: 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours)
- May 27, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram
- May 28, 2025: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad
Potential Risks and Precautions
The IMD warns that the intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Continuous rain may also lead to soil erosion and mudslides. Authorities and the public are urged to remain vigilant, with government agencies on high alert to manage potential emergencies.
Residents in affected districts should stay updated on weather advisories, avoid travel to vulnerable areas, and prepare for possible disruptions. Emergency services are on standby to address any contingencies arising from the heavy monsoon downpour.
