IMD warns of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flood risks for several states; read all about it here

In a recent update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a detailed alert predicting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across several parts of southern and eastern India over the coming week. As per the report, the weather condition is expected to continue through October 26. Several regions in the southern peninsula, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Lakshadweep Islands, are likely to witness light to moderate rain, heavy downpours.


Tamil Nadu is expected to experience isolated very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusty winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the state, urging residents to exercise caution. Travellers are advised to avoid non-essential journeys until conditions improve.

According to the IMD’s significant weather features bulletin, this widespread rainfall reflects an intensification of northeast monsoon activity, which is now affecting both the coastal and interior regions of southern India. In addition, the IMD has issued flash flood warnings for several districts across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh due to the expected heavy downpours.

Heavy rainfall forecast for South Peninsular India: In detail

The IMD report indicates that light to moderate rainfall or thunderstorms are likely at many places across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Lakshadweep Islands till October 26. The intensity of rainfall is expected to vary, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over certain pockets.

• Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal: The state and the Union Territory are expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall till October 23, particularly along coastal and adjoining interior districts. Places like Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Tiruvallur are likely to witness significant rainfall during this period.
• Kerala and Mahe: Very heavy rainfall is predicted from October 22 to 24, especially in the central and northern districts such as Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram. Travel with caution.
• Karnataka: The Coastal Karnataka and interior districts are expected to experience intermittent heavy rainfall till 25. South interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hassan, may also face thunderstorms and gusty winds on October 24–25.
• Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema: The coastal and southern districts will likely face continuous wet weather through the week. Very heavy rain is anticipated between October 22 and 25. Regions like Chittoor, Kadapa, and Nellore are also going to be affected.
• Telangana: The state is expected to experience heavy rainfall from October 23–25, along with lightning and localised gusty winds. Travel with caution.

While the southern states prepare for intense rainfall, eastern and central India are also likely to witness notable weather activity. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are forecast to receive multiple spells of rain from October 24–26, accompanied by heavy showers. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 30–50 kmph are expected during this period, posing potential risks for maritime operations and small boats.

Odisha and adjoining areas are also likely to receive thunderstorms with lightning till October 24. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh, particularly from October 22–23 are also expected to experience similar weather conditions. For coastal areas, the IMD has advised caution for residents and fishermen.

Over western India, including Konkan, Goa, Marathwada, and parts of Maharashtra, thunderstorms with lightning are likely till October 22. While the rainfall will be localised and less intense compared to the southern states, the IMD suggests travellers, farmers, and fishermen remain cautious and follow safety advisories closely.

Flash flood risk and warnings

The IMD has issued a low to moderate flash flood risk for several districts in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region on October 21.

• In Kerala, districts such as Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, and Malappuram have been identified as vulnerable due to saturated soil and ongoing heavy rainfall.
• In Rayalaseema, Chittoor and Kadapa are under similar risk, while in Tamil Nadu, the warning extends to Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, Kanchipuram, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai.

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