The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red and orange alert for multiple states in southern India as intense rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to persist until October 18, 2025.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are likely to witness heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and isolated flooding in low-lying areas.
🌦️ IMD Forecast: Widespread Showers Expected
Meteorologists attribute the persistent rainfall to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which is drawing moisture inland.
The IMD stated:
“Under the influence of this system, widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy intensity is expected over peninsular India for the next five days.”
Kerala is expected to receive the highest rainfall intensity, with several districts — including Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Wayanad — placed under a red alert. In Tamil Nadu, coastal regions such as Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Thoothukudi are on high alert for potential waterlogging and thunderstorms.
🌀 Flood Risk and Precautionary Measures
With several rivers already flowing close to danger levels, authorities have warned residents of possible flash floods and landslides in hilly regions. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on standby in Kerala and Karnataka.
State disaster management teams have been mobilized to ensure evacuation plans are in place, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged citizens to stay alert, saying:
“People should avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and coastal regions, and strictly follow government advisories.”
The IMD has also advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal due to rough sea conditions and high waves reaching up to 3.5 meters.
⚡ Thunderstorm Activity Across South India
Apart from heavy rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning are predicted across Telangana and northern Andhra Pradesh. The IMD noted that gusty winds up to 50 km/h could cause damage to weak structures, trees, and power lines.
In Bengaluru, commuters faced waterlogging and traffic jams due to overnight rainfall, while Hyderabad recorded nearly 60 mm of rain in just six hours on Sunday night.
Residents in Chennai and Coimbatore shared visuals of flooded roads on social media, prompting the local administration to deploy pumps and emergency teams.
🌍 Why the Rainfall Is Unusually Intense
Experts say the ongoing monsoon withdrawal delay and the formation of back-to-back low-pressure zones are behind the extended rainfall spell.
Climate scientist Dr. Akshay Kumar from IIT-Madras commented:
“Climate variability is causing prolonged wet spells even during the post-monsoon period. We are seeing a new rainfall pattern across southern India that needs adaptive planning.”
🧭 IMD Advisory Highlights
Avoid travel in flood-prone and landslide-prone regions.
Stay indoors during lightning or thunderstorms.
Keep emergency supplies and power backups ready.
Fishermen should suspend all sea activities till October 18.
🌈 Relief in Sight After October 18
The IMD has hinted that the rainfall intensity may reduce after October 18, as the low-pressure system weakens and begins to move northeast.
However, isolated showers are likely to continue in coastal Tamil Nadu and south Kerala even afterward.
