Heavy rains batter Kerala, IMD issues Orange alert, showers likely in TG and AP

Heavy rains swept across parts of Kerala on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from prevailing heat conditions, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for two northern districts.

According to the IMD, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts were placed under an orange alert for a three-hour window starting at 7 pm, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph at isolated locations. An orange alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 11 cm and 20 cm .

The weather agency further said that Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts could experience light to moderate rainfall with wind speeds up to 40 kmph , while southern districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha are likely to receive light showers .

Meanwhile, similar weather conditions are expected in parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where the IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next 24-48 hours . Hyderabad , despite currently experiencing intense heat, may also witness isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds , particularly towards the evening hours, bringing brief relief. Several districts in both states may see light to moderate rainfall, offering respite from rising temperatures.

In Telangana, isolated areas are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds , particularly during evening hours. In Andhra Pradesh, coastal and Rayalaseema regions may see scattered rainfall and thunderstorms , with occasional wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph .

Authorities have advised residents across the three states to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid open areas, and take necessary safety precautions as weather conditions remain unstable.