IMD Issues Red Alert For Five Kerala Districts; Rain, Thunderstorms Forecast For Delhi

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five districts in Kerala as the state braces for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall through June 18. Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are on high alert, with authorities warning residents to take necessary precautions amid intensified monsoon activity.

An orange alert has been sounded in nine other districts — including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad — indicating a high likelihood of very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert remains in place for the rest of the state.

Squally weather conditions have prompted a ban on fishing activities along the Kerala coast. The IMD's warnings come as the southwest monsoon advances further into the Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

As monsoon rains continue to impact the region, Kerala Minister for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare, O R Kelu, has directed officials to ensure adequate relief and support for tribal hamlets in remote areas, according to a report by PTI.

Meanwhile, the IMD has also forecast rain and thunderstorms in the National Capital Region. Delhi is expected to see light to moderate rain or thunderstorms on Tuesday, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph, with peak gusts possibly reaching 60 kmph during the evening or night.

The national capital's maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 35°C and 37°C, with minimum temperatures ranging from 26°C to 28°C — close to the seasonal average.

Elsewhere, the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reported normal monsoon conditions across the state but cautioned about the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall. This aligns with the IMD's broader forecast of 110% above-average rainfall for June 2025.

Authorities across affected regions are urging the public to stay informed through official weather updates and to follow safety protocols during this period of active monsoon conditions.