Weather Update: Heavy Rains and Cyclonic Storm Threaten Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Coastal Regions as IMD Issues Warning

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued latest warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall over various parts of southern India, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and Karnataka. Additionally, regions in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are experiencing the development of weather systems that are likely to intensify in the coming days.

Weather System Developments

• Bay of Bengal: A low-pressure area has developed over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal and is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23, 2024. The system is predicted to move northwestward, affecting the Odisha-West Bengal coast by October 24.

• Arabian Sea: A low-pressure area persists over the west-central Arabian Sea, moving away from the Indian coast and weakening over the next 12 hours.

• Tamil Nadu: An upper air cyclonic circulation is present over Tamil Nadu, contributing to increased rainfall activity in the region.

Regional Weather Forecast and Warnings

1. East India

East India is set to experience heavy rainfall, particularly in Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal. Starting from October 23, these areas will see intense rain, with isolated places receiving very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands will also have heavy showers on October 21, while Jharkhand may see heavy rain on October 24.

2. South Peninsular India

The southern peninsula will witness widespread rainfall, with Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala seeing the heaviest showers between October 21-23. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka will also experience significant rain, especially with the influence of the cyclonic system in the Bay of Bengal. Thunderstorms and lightning may accompany the rainfall across the region.

3. West India

West India, particularly Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and parts of Gujarat, will experience isolated heavy rainfall on October 21. While the first half of the week will see some rainfall, the latter part is expected to be drier, with thunderstorms potentially affecting some areas.

4. Northeast, Central, and Northwest India

• These regions are expected to remain mostly dry, with no significant rainfall predicted for the upcoming week.

Wind Warnings

• Andaman Sea: Squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph on October 21.

• Bay of Bengal: Wind speeds reaching 70-90 kmph by the evening of October 23, increasing to 100-110 kmph on October 24.

• Odisha-West Bengal Coasts: Gale-force winds reaching up to 100-120 kmph between October 24 and 25.

With the potential for heavy rains and strong winds, residents in affected areas, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and coastal regions, should take necessary precautions. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea, and local authorities should monitor the development of the cyclonic storm closely.

Residents are advised to stay updated on the weather and follow local authorities' advisories to ensure safety during this period of severe weather.