India weather, October 26: Heavy rain alert in 5 southern states, Delhi to remain cloudy
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms and lightning across several states on Monday, October 26 as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclone. While parts of southern India face heavy rain warnings, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha could see intense rainfall as the system approaches the coast later this week.
Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies, while Bengaluru and nearby areas may receive spells of rain. The IMD expects the system to strengthen over the next few days before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha face heavy rain threat
The depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm on October 26, a severe cyclonic storm on October 27 and a very severe cyclonic storm thereafter. It is forecast to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28 with wind speeds of 115-125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28 with extremely heavy showers possible in isolated areas. The IMD has also advised fishermen to stay out of the sea until October 29.
Odisha is also likely to experience heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in southern and coastal districts. A red warning has been issued for October 28 for districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, where isolated rainfall could exceed 20 cm in 24 hours.
Rain alerts for Tamil Nadu and Keralam
Parts of Keralam are likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on Monday. Idukki and Palakkad were listed under a red alert in the supplied forecast while several other districts were issued orange and yellow alerts.
In Tamil Nadu, heavy to very heavy rain is forecast at isolated places in Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai on October 26. Rainfall activity is expected to ease over the following days, with mostly light to moderate showers in parts of the state.
What Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru can expect
Delhi is likely to remain partly cloudy, with the cyclone expected to have a greater impact on southern and eastern India. West Bengal may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on October 27 and 28.
Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh could also see rainfall as the system moves towards the eastern coast. In Karnataka, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar may receive rain until Tuesday, with isolated showers likely later in the week.
The IMD is monitoring the system and may issue further updates as its path and intensity become clearer, while residents in areas under weather alerts should follow official advisories.