The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across several states. The affected areas include Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Madhya Pradesh, Coastal & South Interior Karnataka, Gujarat, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Rayalaseema, and Odisha.
Cyclonic Storm Brewing Over the Bay of Bengal
According to IMD, an upper air cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea is expected to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. This system is projected to intensify into a depression by October 22nd morning and potentially evolve into a cyclonic storm by October 23rd. The storm is likely to move northwestwards, heading towards the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha-West Bengal coast by October 24th.
Weather Event |
Details |
Low Pressure Formation |
Likely over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal in the next 24 hours |
Cyclonic Storm Development |
Expected by October 23rd, 2024 |
Affected Areas |
Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal |
Rainfall Forecast: Heavy Downpour Ahead
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East India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands will see heavy rainfall on October 20-21, while Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal are bracing for extremely heavy rainfall between October 23rd and 25th.
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South India: Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and South Interior Karnataka will experience moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu and Kerala from October 20th to 23rd. Coastal Andhra Pradesh may witness very heavy rainfall on October 25th.
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West & Central India: Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall, especially on October 20th and 21st. Gujarat may face similar conditions today.
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Northwest & Northeast India: These regions will see mostly dry weather with no significant rainfall expected during the week.
Region |
Rainfall Intensity |
East India |
Heavy to very heavy rain (Oct 23rd-25th) |
South India |
Light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms |
West & Central India |
Moderate rainfall; isolated heavy rain in Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh |
Northwest & Northeast |
Dry weather expected |
Wind Warnings: Squally Conditions Expected
The IMD has also issued wind warnings for various regions affected by the developing system over the Bay of Bengal. Squally weather with wind speeds reaching 100-110 kmph is expected over the North Bay of Bengal and off the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by October 24th evening. The Andaman Sea will experience wind speeds of up to 55 kmph until October 21st.
Region |
Wind Speed |
Andaman Sea |
35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph till Oct 21st |
Eastcentral Bay of Bengal |
70-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph from Oct 23rd |
North Bay of Bengal & Odisha-West Bengal |
100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph by Oct 24th |
Given the impending severe weather conditions, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea, particularly over the Bay of Bengal and nearby coastal areas, during this period. Coastal communities in Odisha and West Bengal should remain alert for updates as the cyclonic storm may bring heavy rains and gale-force winds.
With a cyclonic storm likely to form over the Bay of Bengal, parts of East and South India are gearing up for intense rainfall and stormy weather in the coming days. It’s essential for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions.