IMD Issues Orange Alert as Northeast Monsoon Triggers Heavy Rain in South India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued urgent weather warnings across multiple states as the Northeast Monsoon intensifies, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning to South India. On Thursday, October 24, 2025, parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, and coastal Karnataka are expected to face significant downpours, with an orange alert in place for very heavy rainfall in several districts.

In Tamil Nadu, the Chennai weather office forecasts light to moderate rain at a few places over districts like Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Kanniyakumari, Ranipet, Tenkasi, Thiruvallur, and Tirunelveli in the next few hours. Tenkasi and Kanyakumari are particularly at risk, with moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning expected on Thursday. The IMD predicts heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu on October 24 and again from October 26 to 28, urging residents to prepare for potential disruptions.

Kerala and Mahe are bracing for heavy rainfall between October 27 and 29, with an orange alert issued for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram. Coastal and south interior Karnataka, including Uttar Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshin Kannada, are also under an orange alert for October 24, with heavy rains expected to continue through October 25. The IMD warns of thunderstorms with lightning across these regions for the next five days, posing risks of flash flooding and travel disruptions.

Also Read: IMD Issues Red Alert: Extremely Heavy Rain Forecast for Chennai and Six Coastal Districts

Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, is under a yellow alert, with the IMD predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall at isolated places. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are expected to experience incessant rainfall on October 27 and 28, potentially impacting agriculture and infrastructure. Telangana may also see heavy rains between October 23 and 25, adding to the widespread monsoon activity.

The IMD has forecasted the formation of a fresh low pressure area over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal on October 24, 2025. This system, driven by an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal and south Andaman Sea, is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify within 24 hours. This follows a well-marked low pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal on October 21, which triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall across south peninsular India.

The Northeast Monsoon officially commenced on October 16, affecting Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, South Interior Karnataka, and Kerala-Mahe. The intensified monsoon activity has already caused significant rainfall, and the IMD warns that the coming days could bring further challenges, including potential flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Residents in affected regions are advised to stay updated with IMD alerts, avoid travel during heavy downpours, and take precautions against lightning and flooding. Stay tuned for further updates as the monsoon continues to unleash its fury across South India.

Also Read: IMD Issues Yellow Alert as Kerala Braces for Heavy Rain, Floods