Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set for another spell of widespread rain from Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intensified showers across central and northern parts of the state over the next 48 hours. An orange alert has been issued for seven districts, Kasaragod, Kannur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, while the remaining seven districts are under a yellow alert. The IMD has warned that northern Kerala could receive extremely heavy rainfall Friday, with residents in hilly and landslide-prone areas advised to remain vigilant. As a precaution, educational institutions in Kottayam taluk, Thiruvalla taluk in Pathanamthitta, and Kuttanad, Chengannur and Karthikappally taluks in Alappuzha will remain closed Thursday. With the southwest monsoon remaining active, officials say timely preparedness and public cooperation will be key to ensuring the state safely weathers the latest spell of heavy rain.