Kerala schools closed today in 5 districts due to heavy rain alert

Kerala Schools Closed on May 26: Holiday in 5 Districts Due to Heavy Rain Alert

Educational institutions in five Kerala districts, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kasargod, will remain closed on May 26 following heavy rain alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Authorities have ordered the closure of all types of institutions, including Anganwadis, pre-schools, CBSE and ICSE-affiliated schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, madrasas, tuition centres, and professional colleges. However, there will be no changes to pre-scheduled examinations and interviews.

Although schools in Kerala are yet to officially reopen, special classes were underway in some places. The closure comes just after the early arrival of the southwest monsoon in the state. IMD confirmed that the monsoon made landfall in Kerala on May 24—eight days ahead of its usual onset date of June 1—making it the earliest monsoon onset over the Indian mainland since 2009.

Meanwhile, Odisha’s Koraput district witnessed its highest single-day rainfall in 24 years, the IMD revealed. According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD Bhubaneswar, widespread rain is expected across Odisha in the coming days due to active pre-monsoon showers and an emerging cyclonic circulation. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, and fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea on May 29 and 30 due to rough conditions anticipated along the coast.

The early and active monsoon, while posing short-term challenges, also holds long-term economic significance. Investments in accurate weather forecasting and monsoon-related services play a crucial role in supporting farmers, livestock keepers, and coastal communities.