The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert across south peninsular India as the region transitions into the Northeast monsoon season. The annual weather phenomenon has officially commenced over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, as well as Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka, and Kerala and Mahe. This onset is expected to trigger a period of widespread and intense precipitation across these states in the coming days.
In conjunction with the seasonal monsoon arrival, the weather agency is closely monitoring a developing low-pressure system in the south Bay of Bengal. According to the latest IMD bulletin, this system is projected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26. The department anticipates that the storm will move in a west-northwest direction, tracking toward the coastal regions of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.
The meteorological forecast outlines specific areas of concern regarding rainfall intensity. Between October 24 and 26, isolated very heavy rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, as well as Kerala and Mahe. Lakshadweep is also under an alert for similar weather conditions on October 24. Furthermore, the forecast for Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam indicates that very heavy downpours are likely between October 27 and 28.
Beyond these immediate impacts, the weather department has warned of persistent heavy rainfall in several other areas. Isolated heavy showers are predicted for South Interior Karnataka through October 25, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha, and Rayalaseema are expected to face heavy rainfall between October 26 and 28. The IMD has also highlighted the risk of thundersqualls in Odisha from October 27 to 28, with wind speeds potentially reaching 50-60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph.
The impact of the brewing cyclonic system is expected to extend further north as the week progresses. From October 28, heavy rainfall is forecasted for the coastal and western districts of West Bengal. The IMD expects that this system will lead to a drop in daytime temperatures by two to three degrees Celsius in the southern parts of West Bengal. The agency has specifically identified districts such as South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura as areas that will likely experience the brunt of this weather activity.
Given the anticipated intensification of the cyclonic storm, the IMD has issued a stern advisory to the maritime community. Fisherfolk have been explicitly warned against venturing into the sea from October 26 onwards to avoid the hazardous conditions associated with the approaching weather system. Additionally, residents in the affected southern states have been alerted to the risk of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging between 40-50 kmph.
As these weather patterns unfold, the IMD continues to monitor the movement of the low-pressure area. The transition into the Northeast monsoon, coupled with the cyclonic threat, signals a period of heightened alert for emergency response teams in the coastal districts. Residents in the impacted regions are advised to remain updated through official weather bulletins as the situation evolves over the coming days, particularly as the system nears the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coastlines.
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