Weather Updates: Schools and Colleges Closed in Kerala; Heavy Rain Warning for Odisha, Kolkata, and Mumbai

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for multiple districts in Kerala due to the heavy rainfall, prompting the authorities to direct the closure of educational institutions on Wednesday, July 17, across the state. As a result, schools and colleges in eight districts have been ordered to remain shut, including Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. This decision comes after heavy rainfall in these districts caused waterlogged streets, collapsed power lines, and swollen rivers.

The IMD has issued a red alert for Kozhikode and Kannur, while an orange alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts in Kerala. Fishermen have been warned against venturing out to sea on the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts due to the heavy rainfall.

Rain Alert for Odisha

The IMD has also issued a rainfall alert for Odisha, predicting heavy rains to continue in the state till July 20. Local weather officials have warned of heavy rainfall (7 to 11 cm) in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Koraput on Wednesday. This heavy rainfall is expected to cause disruptions in daily life and may lead to traffic congestion.

Heavy Rainfall in West Bengal

In West Bengal, the MeT department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Kolkata, Howrah, and North and South 24 Parganas this week. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is predicted to lash the state on July 20, which may disrupt the Trinamool Congress’ July 21 rally.

Heavy Rain in Maharashtra

Heavy rain is expected to continue in Maharashtra, with the IMD issuing a red alert for Raigad and an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur for today, July 17. Several parts of the state have been experiencing heavy rain for the last couple of days, causing floods and traffic snarls in different cities.

Weather Forecast for Delhi and NCR

According to the MeT department, light rains are likely to continue in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the rest of the week.

Key Points to Remember

• The IMD has issued a red alert for multiple districts in Kerala due to heavy rainfall.
• Schools and colleges in eight districts have been ordered to remain shut.
• Heavy rainfall is expected in Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.
• Fishermen have been warned against venturing out to sea on the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts.
• Heavy rainfall is predicted to cause disruptions in daily life and may lead to traffic congestion.

By understanding these weather updates, students preparing for competitive exams can stay informed about the latest weather conditions and plan accordingly.

Historical Context:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing weather alerts and warnings since its inception in 1875. The IMD is responsible for monitoring and forecasting weather conditions across India, providing critical information to the public, authorities, and other stakeholders. The department’s alerts and warnings are based on its advanced weather forecasting systems, which use data from a network of weather stations, radar, and satellites to predict weather patterns.

In recent years, the IMD has become more proactive in issuing alerts and warnings, particularly during extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and cyclones. This is due to the increasing frequency and severity of such events, which can have significant impacts on daily life, infrastructure, and the economy.

The IMD’s alerts and warnings are categorized into four levels: green, yellow, orange, and red. A green alert indicates normal weather conditions, while a yellow alert indicates a possibility of adverse weather conditions. An orange alert indicates a high probability of adverse weather conditions, and a red alert indicates a high probability of severe weather conditions.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for multiple districts in Kerala due to heavy rainfall, prompting the closure of schools and colleges. • The IMD has also issued a red alert for Kozhikode and Kannur, an orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts in Kerala, and a warning for fishermen to avoid venturing out to sea on the Kerala-Karnataka-Lakshadweep coasts. • Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Odisha till July 20, with predictions of 7-11 cm of rain in certain districts. • West Bengal is expected to experience heavy rainfall on July 20, which may disrupt the Trinamool Congress’ July 21 rally. • Maharashtra is expected to experience heavy rain, with a red alert issued for Raigad and an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur. • Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to experience light rains for the rest of the week. • The IMD has warned of disruptions in daily life and traffic congestion due to the heavy rainfall.

By staying informed about the latest weather updates, students preparing for competitive exams can plan their schedules accordingly and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.