The state of Kerala is facing intense and widespread rainfall following the early arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 24, the earliest onset since 2009. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple weather warnings, including red, orange, and yellow alerts across various districts, as the state braces for continued heavy downpours, rising river levels, and possible landslides.

On May 27, the IMD placed Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode under a red alert, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. These alerts reflect a high risk of flooding, landslides, and significant local disruptions.

Orange alerts were also issued for Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kasaragod, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Palakkad are under yellow alert, suggesting moderate rainfall with potential for isolated disruptions.

The Malankara Dam in Idukki, near the Ernakulam district border, recorded a sharp rise in water inflow. Authorities have raised the shutters and issued warnings for residents along the Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha rivers.

In Kozhikode, the Poonoorpuzha river breached its danger level at Kolikkal, posing a heightened flood threat in low-lying areas. Rainfall has been especially intense in Urumi (210 mm) and Ayyankunnu (200 mm) in Kannur, with other parts of Wayanad also witnessing over 200 mm in a single day. As per initial reports, three rain-related deaths have occurred two in Alappuzha and one in Kollam raising concerns about safety amid worsening conditions.

To manage the crisis, the state government has activated relief camps in affected regions such as Wayanad and Kozhikode, with evacuations underway in several flood-prone areas. The district administrations in Malappuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Kottayam have declared holidays for all educational institutions, including professional colleges, excluding residential schools.

The IMD has also warned of:

• Thunderstorms with lightning

• Gusty winds (50–60 km/h)

• Risk of landslides in hilly terrain

Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid venturing into the sea until May 30, with rough sea conditions and waves ranging between 3.3 to 4 meters expected across Kerala and Lakshadweep.

According to meteorological updates, this wet spell is expected to persist until early June, with isolated heavy rains forecast on May 31 and June 1. A developing low-pressure area over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal, expected around May 27, may enhance the westerly wind flow over Kerala, further sustaining the intense rainfall. The state disaster management authority remains on high alert, and residents, especially in red and orange alert zones, are advised to stay indoors, monitor official updates, and move to safer locations if necessary.