IMD weather update: Heavy rainfall forecast for South India; Monsoon withdrawal in north-western states

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of weather advisories as the southwest monsoon begins to retreat from parts of India, while southern states brace for heavy rainfall due to the remnants of Cyclone Shakti.

South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, Andhra Pradesh, and Coastal Karnataka are expected to experience light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers from October 8 to 12. The IMD has issued alerts for several districts in these states, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h.

In Kerala, as per a report on the Times of India, a yellow alert has been declared for districts including Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Kannur on Thursday; Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur on Friday; and Palakkad and Malappuram on Saturday and Sunday. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 km/h are expected in isolated areas across the state. Fishermen are strongly advised against venturing into the sea due to squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, likely along the Kerala coast.


The current weather developments are attributed to the remnants of Cyclonic Storm ‘Shakti,’ which has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area with a diminishing cyclonic circulation. Additional weather influences include a trough from south Chhattisgarh to the Gulf of Mannar and upper air cyclonic circulations over the Comorin region and the north Bay of Bengal.


Monsoon withdrawal in North-Western StatesMeanwhile, the most recent IMD bulletin, has indicated that conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to withdraw from the remaining parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh , and Uttar Pradesh over the next two to three days. The line of withdrawal continues to pass through Veraval, Bharuch, Ujjain, Jhansi, Shahjahanpur.


In Madhya Pradesh, the retreat of the monsoon has led to pleasant weather conditions, with cooler nights and cloudy days. The night temperature in Bhopal has dropped below 20°C, and the day temperature of 30.7°C is three degrees below normal. The meteorological department has also issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in several districts across the state, including Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, and Ujjain.

In Eastern India, light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers is expected in Odisha from October 9 to 11. The IMD has issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in several districts across the state.

In the Northeastern states, heavy rainfall is likely in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from October 8 to 10. The IMD has advised residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

The IMD has also issued the following safety advisories: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along the Kerala coast, Gulf of Mannar, and adjoining Comorin area due to squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, likely to prevail from October 8 to 13. Travelers are advised to monitor local weather updates and plan their journeys accordingly.