Monsoon 2026 Tracker Highlights: IMD Issues Orange Alert in Two Districts in Kerala
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for two districts in Kerala—Ernakulam and Thrissur—warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds over the next 48 hours. The alert, confirmed by the IMD on Tuesday, follows a sluggish phase in the southwest monsoon’s advance, which has left parts of Kerala experiencing unseasonal rainfall patterns since its onset in late May.
The IMD’s regional meteorological center in Chennai attributed the alert to a low-pressure area forming over the Arabian Sea, which is expected to intensify and move northeastward toward Kerala’s coastline. According to the IMD, the districts under alert could receive 115–204 mm of rain in 24 hours, with isolated areas potentially exceeding 204 mm. The department also warned of gusty winds reaching 50–60 km/h, posing risks of power outages, tree falls, and localized flooding.
Kerala’s disaster management authorities have already begun preemptive evacuations in low-lying areas of Ernakulam and Thrissur, with the state’s fire and rescue services placing emergency response teams on high alert. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) confirmed that 12 relief camps have been readied in both districts, though no major disruptions have been reported as of Tuesday evening. “We are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with the IMD for real-time updates,” said a senior KSDMA official, who declined to comment on potential disruptions to transportation or agriculture.
Meanwhile, the monsoon’s progress across India has shown uneven coverage, with the IMD reporting that the southwest monsoon has advanced into Bengal, Sikkim, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra this week. However, Kerala—where the monsoon typically makes its first landfall—has seen delays in its northward progression, leading to contrasting rainfall patterns. While coastal districts like Ernakulam and Thrissur face the orange alert, inland regions such as Idukki and Wayanad have reported below-normal rainfall for the past five days, according to IMD data.
The sluggish phase in Kerala contrasts with heavy rainfall in neighboring states, where Goa, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra have experienced uninterrupted downpours since Monday. The IMD’s regional center in Mumbai stated that these areas could see respite by Thursday, as the monsoon trough shifts northward. “The current weather pattern suggests a temporary easing of rains in Goa and Karnataka, but Kerala remains in a high-risk zone due to the low-pressure system,” said an IMD spokesperson.
Farmers in Kerala’s spice and plantation belts, particularly in Ernakulam and Thrissur, have expressed concerns over crop damage from prolonged rainfall. The state’s agriculture department reported that pepper and cardamom plantations—key exports—are already showing signs of waterlogging, though no official estimates on potential losses have been released. In contrast, Karnataka’s coffee-growing regions have benefited from the rains, with the state’s horticulture department noting a 15% improvement in soil moisture levels compared to last year’s monsoon.
The IMD’s forecast for the next 72 hours indicates that while Kerala’s orange alert may persist, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana could see a gradual increase in rainfall** as the monsoon trough extends further north. The department has not ruled out the possibility of yellow alerts in additional districts if the low-pressure system intensifies further. Officials in Bengal and Sikkim, where the monsoon arrived ahead of schedule, have reported minimal disruptions, with local authorities attributing this to better infrastructure and early preparedness.
As of Tuesday evening, no major infrastructure projects—including the Palakkad–Pollachi railway line or the National Highway 47—have been disrupted in Kerala, though local media reports suggest traffic delays in Ernakulam due to waterlogging. The state’s power department has pre-positioned mobile repair teams to address potential outages, while the Kerala Water Authority has activated emergency drainage systems in flood-prone areas.
The IMD’s monsoon tracker, updated daily, shows that 60% of Kerala’s districts are currently experiencing above-normal rainfall, while 30% remain below the long-term average. Meteorologists caution that the uneven distribution could lead to soil erosion and landslides in hilly regions, particularly in Idukki and Wayanad. The department has advised residents in high-risk zones to avoid travel until the weather stabilizes.
Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, is expected to hold a review meeting with disaster management officials on Wednesday to assess the impact of the orange alert. The state government has also requested the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to deploy two rapid-action teams to Ernakulam and Thrissur, though no official confirmation of their arrival has been issued.
For now, the IMD maintains that the low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea will dictate Kerala’s weather for the next 48 hours, with no immediate signs of easing**. The department’s next bulletin, scheduled for Wednesday morning, will provide updated forecasts based on satellite and radar observations.