The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh heavy rainfall and thunderstorm alert across 18 states and union territories, warning of intense showers, gusty winds, and possible flooding in several areas.
As the monsoon currents linger longer than usual this year, weather patterns continue to surprise both meteorologists and the public.
“The retreat of the southwest monsoon is delayed, bringing unseasonal rainfall to northern and central India,” an IMD official said on Thursday morning.
🌍 States Under Orange and Yellow Alerts
The IMD has placed an “Orange Alert” — indicating “Be Prepared” status — in the following states:
Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat
Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
Meanwhile, a Yellow Alert has been issued for:
Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal.
According to the IMD bulletin, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall (64.5–115.5 mm) is expected in these regions over the next 48 hours, with possible waterlogging and traffic disruptions in low-lying urban zones.
⚠️ What the IMD Advisory Says
In its morning update, the IMD urged residents to:
Avoid travel in waterlogged areas.
Stay indoors during lightning and thunderstorm activity.
Monitor local advisories and evacuation updates where necessary.
“Moisture feed from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is sustaining the current spell,” the IMD said. “Southern and central India are expected to receive the heaviest rains through Thursday and Friday.”
📍 Regional Impact Snapshot
1️⃣ South India:
Kerala and coastal Karnataka are likely to experience intense downpours, especially in hilly areas prone to landslides.
2️⃣ Central India:
Heavy showers predicted in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh; farmers are advised to delay harvest operations.
3️⃣ East & Northeast:
West Bengal and Assam to see intermittent rains with gusty winds up to 60 km/h.
💬 Expert View
According to climate scientist Dr. R.K. Sethi, “This late-season rainfall is linked to a low-pressure system moving from the Bay of Bengal toward central India. While it brings short-term relief from heat, it may affect Rabi crop sowing schedules.”
Environmental experts add that unseasonal rains have increased over the past decade due to climate pattern shifts and El Niño effects.
📅 IMD Forecast for the Next 3 Days
October 30–31: Widespread rain in central, western, and southern India.
November 1: Rain intensity likely to reduce gradually, except in the southern peninsula.
November 2: Clear skies expected over most northern states.
🌾 Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The rains are expected to bring temporary relief from rising pollution in Delhi and Mumbai.
However, transportation and agriculture sectors may face operational delays.
Metro cities are already preparing for traffic congestion and flight delays at airports like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
🔦 Highlights
IMD issues heavy rainfall alert across 18 states.
Orange Alert in southern and central India.
Forecast predicts strong winds and thunderstorms.
Farmers advised to delay harvesting.
Relief from pollution expected in metro cities.
🏁 Conclusion
As India faces another bout of intense monsoon-like rains, citizens are urged to stay cautious and follow IMD advisories. The extended wet spell marks one of the most prolonged retreating monsoons in recent years, signaling both a changing climate pattern and the need for enhanced disaster preparedness.
