Kerala is bracing for a period of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for 11 of its districts. The red alert, signaling the likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, is in effect for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Monday, May 26, 2025. An orange alert has been issued for the remaining districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha.
This early and intense arrival of the monsoon has prompted significant precautionary measures across the state. District collectors in ten of the eleven red alert districts have declared a holiday for all educational institutions. The holiday applies to all educational institutions including schools, anganwadis, madrasas, coaching centers, and tuition centers, except in Palakkad. However, previously scheduled university exams and tests conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) will proceed as planned, except at Kannur University, which has postponed Monday's examinations.
The IMD has warned of potential dangers associated with the heavy rainfall, including traffic disruptions, uprooted trees, flash floods, landslides, and damage to vulnerable structures. Strong surface winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph are also expected, which could exacerbate these risks. Fishermen have been strictly advised against venturing into the sea until May 29, due to a high wave warning in effect along the Kerala coast until Monday night. High waves in the range of 3.3 to 4 meters are forecast in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur coastal areas.
The early arrival of the monsoon in Kerala marks the earliest onset since 2009, when it arrived on May 23. While this may seem like good news for agriculture, experts caution that an early onset does not guarantee steady or well-distributed rainfall throughout the season. In fact, it can sometimes lead to erratic rainfall patterns and delays in the monsoon's progression across the rest of the country.
The IMD forecasts that rain or thundershowers are likely to occur at most places across Kerala and Lakshadweep until May 31. A low-pressure area is expected to form over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27, which, combined with strong westerly winds, is likely to sustain the intense rainfall in Kerala over the coming days.
In light of these warnings, Revenue Minister K Rajan has urged the public to exercise caution, limit travel to safe areas, and avoid spreading unverified weather updates on social media, which could create panic. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have also issued coastal alerts due to the possibility of high waves and sea incursion. People living near the Periyar, Thodupuzha, and Muvattupuzha rivers are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Mining activities in the Kottayam district have been ordered to halt until May 27 due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall. Tourism spots, including Ilaveezhapoonchira, Illikkal Kallu, and Marmala Waterfalls, will be closed until May 26, and night travel has been banned on the Erattupetta–Vagamon road.
The state government and various agencies are working to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and ensure the safety of the public. However, the public is advised to stay informed, heed the warnings, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property during this period of intense monsoon activity.
