CHENNAI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several southern states, warning of very heavy rainfall over parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe and coastal Karnataka on Thursday, October 24.
According to the IMD, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema are also likely to witness widespread rain and thunderstorms between October 27 and 28, while Maharashtra is under a yellow alert due to expected moderate thunderstorms.
IMD issues orange alert for southern districts
The orange alert covers the Karnataka districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, along with Kerala’s Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram.
In Tamil Nadu, the Chennai weather office said early Thursday that light to moderate rain is likely to continue across Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Kanniyakumari, Ranipet, Tenkasi, Thiruvallur and Tirunelveli over the next few hours.
“Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is also expected in Tenkasi and Kanyakumari,” officials added.
Rain forecast for multiple regions
The IMD’s extended forecast suggests heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu on October 24 and between October 26–28, while Kerala and Mahe are expected to experience downpours from October 27–29.
Parts of Karnataka and Telangana could also see heavy rains between October 23–25, with thunderstorms and lightning likely across most areas for the next five days.
In Maharashtra, the IMD has placed Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar under a yellow alert, predicting isolated thunderstorms with light to moderate rain.
New low pressure area forming over Bay of Bengal
The IMD has also forecast the formation of a new low-pressure area over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal on October 24.
“An upper air cyclonic circulation extending up to middle tropospheric levels lies over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form on October 24, which may move west-northwestwards and intensify during the following 24 hours,” the IMD said.
Earlier this week, a well-marked low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal had triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of south peninsular India, causing waterlogging and localised flooding in several areas.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety advisories issued by district administrations.