Although not exceptionally heavy, the southwest monsoon has remained active in the State over the last few days, with central and northern Kerala receiving moderate to heavy spells of rain. The latest spell has been triggered by a deep depression over west-central Chhattisgarh and adjoining parts of Vidarbha and southeast Madhya Pradesh.

The State has been experiencing moderate to heavy showers as a result of the system, with Peerumedu in Idukki recording the highest rainfall of 11 cm during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. on Friday (July 31, 2026). It was followed by Vythiri in Wayanad and Ayyankunnu in Kannur, which received 9 cm each, and Munnar in Idukki, which recorded 7 cm. Strong westerly to northwesterly winds are prevailing over Kerala and the Lakshadweep region in the lower tropospheric levels.

Two flights diverted

Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram international airport authorities have informed that two flights, an IndiGo Kochi-Male flight and an Air India Express Bangaluru-Kochi flight, were diverted from Male and Kochi airports to Thiruvananthapuram due to bad weather. Flights will fly back once airports are ready, said the authorities here.

Orange alert, but moderate rainfall

Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for 11 districts on Friday, warning of intense heavy rains during the next 24 hours., hardly moderate rainfall was recorded across the State since morning including in the disticts where ornage alert has been issued. A Yellow alert has been issued for Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram, warning of isolated heavy rainfall.

According to a weather bulletin issued by the IMD on Friday, the deep depression is likely to weaken gradually into a depression over the next 12 hours. The monsoon trough, which remains south of its normal position, has aided the formation of the weather system over the Bay of Bengal. However, it is expected to shift gradually northwards, leading to a reduction in rainfall activity over the southern peninsula in the coming days.