IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert Until May 24; Southern States Facing Severe Weather Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted the public about heavy to very heavy rainfall anticipated in various parts of India from May 18 to May 24, 2025. This weather phenomenon is set to affect the west coast, including areas like Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and Kerala, alongside Northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. The forecast predicts that the showers will be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds expected to reach speeds of 30-50 kmph. Specific regions such as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Coastal Karnataka, and North Interior Karnataka, among others, are slated to experience isolated heavy rainfall within this period.

Additionally, the IMD has highlighted that certain areas will witness extremely heavy rainfall. For instance, Coastal Karnataka is bracing for an unprecedented downpour on May 20th. Northeast India isn't exempt, with isolated heavy rainfall forecasted for Arunachal Pradesh from May 18th to 20th and Assam and Meghalaya from May 18th to 24th. Assam and Meghalaya, in particular, are preparing for very heavy rainfall between May 18th and 20th. The weather alert also includes a caution against thundersqualls in Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathawada on select days, where wind speeds could reach between 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph.

As the atmospheric conditions become turbulent, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are on high alert for potential hailstorms on May 19th and 20th. This is part of a broader pattern of isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall expected across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, primarily between May 18th and 20th. The capital city, Delhi, is forecasted to experience partly cloudy skies with very light to light rain. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds peaking at 50 kmph during storms are also predicted. Temperatures in the city are projected to hover between 27-29°C for the minimum and 38-40°C for the maximum, with winds strengthening in the afternoon before diminishing in the evening and night.

In light of the severe weather forecast, the IMD has issued a comprehensive alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall affecting a wide expanse of the Indian subcontinent. From the west coast encompassing Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and Kerala, to the far reaches of Northeast India, the impending week is expected to bring significant meteorological events. This includes intense showers, thunderstorms, and lightning, with the possibility of hailstorms in the northern regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The forecast not only points to widespread light to moderate rainfall across various states but also warns of isolated pockets of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, particularly in Coastal Karnataka.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised alarms over the weather conditions in Kerala, activating an orange alert in several districts due to anticipated very heavy rains. Specifically, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta are the districts under this significant alert, indicating the possibility of severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm. In addition to these warnings, the IMD has also flagged a yellow alert for other districts including Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod, highlighting the likelihood of heavy rainfalls between 6 cm and 11 cm.

Following the issuance of these alerts, the IMD has put forth advisories for residents in the affected areas, urging them to take necessary precautions and remain indoors to avoid any untoward incidents caused by the weather. The orange alert, in particular, suggests that the weather conditions could be significantly disruptive, featuring not just heavy rainfall but also thunderstorms and strong gusty winds reaching speeds up to 40 kmph at places.

In the wake of the heavy downpour that struck Kerala on Sunday, the IMD's decision to issue these alerts underscores the urgency of the situation. The orange alert, effective for a span of three hours during the evening in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta, was a direct response to the very heavy rainfall predicted for these regions. This proactive measure by the IMD aims to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions on the local population and infrastructure.

The warnings from the IMD also encompass the potential for thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall and gusty winds across the designated districts. These weather phenomena, while common during heavy rains, pose additional risks such as flooding and property damage, hence the emphasis on preparedness and caution among the residents and authorities in Kerala.

Residents and authorities in the affected regions are gearing up for the impact of the heavy rainfall, with specific attention on areas forecasted to receive very heavy to extremely heavy downpours. The IMD's warning encompasses a variety of weather conditions, from thunderstorms and lightning to gusty winds and hailstorms, highlighting the need for preparedness in the face of potentially hazardous weather. As the country braces for these conditions, the focus remains on ensuring safety and minimizing the impact of the intense weather events forecasted for the coming days.