Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Rain Threatens Kerala Onam Celebrations as Eight Districts Alerted
Kerala is preparing to celebrate Onam, its biggest festival.
However, weather officials expect heavy rain in several areas.
Eight districts have been placed under a yellow alert for Monday.
Three districts will remain under alert on Tuesday.
Onam celebrations begin with First Onam on August 25 and reach their biggest day, Thiruvonam, on August 26.
Officials have not currently issued a rain warning for Thiruvonam.
Fishing has been stopped along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts because of rough weather risks.
People near beaches have been told to be very careful.
Families and communities may need to move some outdoor celebrations indoors if the rain continues.
A strengthening low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal may bring heavy rain to Kerala during Onam.
Eight districts received yellow alerts on Monday: Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam.
The alert is expected to continue in three districts on Tuesday, while conditions remain unsettled elsewhere.
No rain warning has been issued for Thiruvonam, celebrated on August 26, at present.
Fishing is banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts amid warnings of heavy rain, strong winds and coastal inundation.
- Who
- Kerala residents, festival organisers, authorities, fishermen, coastal residents and tourists are affected.
- What
- Heavy-rain and coastal-weather warnings have been issued as Kerala prepares for Onam celebrations.
- When
- Warnings apply from Monday through Tuesday and during the Onam period, including First Onam on August 25 and Thiruvonam on August 26.
- Where
- Kerala, including eight districts under a Monday yellow alert, and the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts.
- Why
- A strengthening low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal may bring heavy rain, strong winds and coastal inundation.
- Monday yellow alert districts
- Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam
- First Onam
- August 25
- Thiruvonam
- August 26
- Coastal wave forecast
- Waves of 0.9 to 1.3 metres along the Kerala coast until 11:30 p.m. on Monday
- Fishing restrictions
- Fishing is completely banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts
- Coastal hazard
- INCOIS warned of possible coastal inundation linked to the Kallakkadal phenomenon
- Public advice
- Beach visits and sea-based recreational activities are discouraged until the warning is withdrawn