Kerala has declared a school holiday in five districts as the state braces for heavy rainfall triggered by the early arrival of the southwest monsoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for 11 districts and an orange alert for three others on Monday, May 26.
Educational institutions in Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kasaragod will remain closed today due to the forecast of intense rains. The holiday applies to all types of institutions, including Anganwadis, nurseries, Kendriya Vidyalayas, CBSE and ICSE-affiliated schools, professional colleges, tuition centres, and madrasas.
Officials clarified that despite the closure, examinations and scheduled interviews will continue as planned. Since the new academic year has not officially started in Kerala, most schools were only conducting special or bridge classes.
Early Onset of Monsoon
The IMD confirmed that the southwest monsoon made landfall over Kerala on May 24, marking its earliest arrival on the Indian mainland since 2009. The typical onset date is June 1, making this year’s arrival eight days earlier than usual.
Meanwhile, Odisha is also experiencing significant rainfall. Koraput district recorded its highest rainfall in 24 years, according to IMD officials. Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, stated that widespread rainfall is expected across Odisha for the next four to five days due to an approaching cyclonic circulation.
“Light to moderate rainfall is likely in many parts of Odisha. Pre-monsoon showers are active and will persist. An orange alert has been issued for several districts,” she added.
The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea on May 29 and 30 due to expected rough weather conditions along the Odisha coast.
