Fair weather likely across Keralam during Onam week

Kerala is set to enjoy mostly pleasant weather during the Onam week, according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Bay of Bengal region remains relatively calm, contributing to the fair weather conditions expected throughout the festivities. However, isolated showers may occur in certain areas of the state ahead of Onam, particularly in the days leading up to the celebration.

The extended forecast suggests that southern Kerala may experience a couple of intense rain spells towards the end of August. This is due to the presence of two upper air cyclonic circulations - one affecting the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal, as well as the north Bay of Bengal and the adjoining coasts of Bangladesh and Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha. These atmospheric conditions are expected to bring isolated showers to various parts of Kerala between August 23 and 25.

As a precautionary measure, a yellow alert has been issued for four districts - Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode - on August 23. Five districts in central Kerala are under a yellow alert on August 24, followed by three districts on August 25. Despite these localized showers, the overall monsoon conditions are not favorable for a prolonged heavy rainfall during the Onam week.

Additionally, a well-defined low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and the surrounding region has weakened into a low-pressure system over the same area. The associated cyclonic circulation is expected to dissipate by Friday.