IMD Warns of Extremely Heavy Rainfall, Thunderstorm, Lightning in These States for Next Few Days

Following the red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in the district on Thursday, Wayanad District Collector A. Geetha, who is also the Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, issued an advisory to the public.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the IMD predicted extremely heavy rainfall of 204.4 mm and extremely heavy rainfall of 115.5 mm to 204.4 mm in isolated areas of the district, respectively. As a result, those who live in locations prone to natural disasters should be cautious, according to Geetha. All preparations have been made to relocate up to 441 families from eight landslide-prone areas.

Geetha asked officials to collect data on residents of other landslide-prone locations and find buildings that could be turned into relief camps near those places. Digging with excavators is prohibited in the district until August 31.

It is best to avoid traveling and walking in mountainous locations. Residents living along river banks should be cautious since major dams' shutters may be opened, she said.

Southwest Monsoon Update:

On Wednesday, the Southwest monsoon expanded into further portions of the South Bay of Bengal, the entire Andaman Sea, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as certain parts of the east-central Bay of Bengal, according to the IMD.

Isolated heavy to very heavy falls are also expected over Assam, Meghalaya, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next four to five days, according to the IMD. "Isolated to scattered light rainfall with isolated thunderstorm/lightning/gusty winds likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha during next 5 days," the weather service said.

Meanwhile, widespread rainfall with lightning/gusty wind/thunderstorm is likely over Jammu Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh from 19 May to 22 May.

Heatwave Predictions:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a new heatwave in northwest India starting on May 19. The central part of the country will experience similar weather conditions.

"Raise in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C over northwest India & Madhya Pradesh for next 3 days and decline by 2-4°C thereafter," the IMD stated in its meteorological report on Wednesday. "No significant change in maximum temperatures is very likely for the rest of the country," it stated.

Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are expected in Rajasthan, south Punjab, south Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh on May 19 and 20. Vidharbha will have similar weather conditions through May 21, while Odisha will be hit by a heatwave on May 22.