Weather update: Heavy rain alert for Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Mumbai
Kerala and Karnataka are likely to welcome the southwest monsoon at the same time under the influence of a well-marked low-pressure area over Arabian Sea
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive update on India’s evolving weather landscape, signaling a turbulent phase of extreme rainfall and severe heat conditions.
Kerala and Karnataka are likely to welcome the southwest monsoon at the same time under the influence of a well-marked low-pressure area over Arabian Sea, which is rapidly strengthening into a depression, marking the formal beginning of the rainy season in India.
Latest update: Monsoon has reached Kerala.
Extreme weather conditions
Intense rainfall is anticipated across multiple regions in the coming days. Extremely heavy rains are likely over Konkan & Goa (May 23-25), Kerala & Mahe (May 24-26), Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka (May 24-27), and ghat areas of Tamil Nadu (May 25-26).
Maharashtra can also expect extremely heavy rainfall on May 25. Such high rainfall may lead to urban challenges including flash floods, blocked roadways, and severe traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, as the western and southern states brace for downpours, severe heatwave conditions continue to grip West Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and East Rajasthan.
In a rare meteorological development, IMD officials noted that both Kerala and Karnataka are likely to witness the onset of the southwest monsoon at the same time.
IMD issues red alerts
The IMD has issued rainfall alerts, including a 'red' alert for coastal Karnataka, anticipating a resumption of rain after a brief respite. It has also issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rain in some areas of Konkan and Goa.
The weather department also predicted very heavy rain for a few places in Assam, Meghalaya, Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, and Madhya Maharashtra.
With a red alert in place, authorities have advised people to stay alert for any worsening weather conditions and be prepared to shift to safer locations if necessary.
Also Read: Monsoon likely to reach Kerala in 4-5 days, much earlier than June 1: IMD
Goa
The weather department has predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds blowing at speeds of 40-50 kmph over Konkan and Goa from May 23 to 29.
There is also a forecast for very heavy rainfall at a few places between May 23 and 25, with chances of extremely heavy rain on May 25.
The IMD had issued a red alert for Raigad and Ratnagiri on May 23, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Maharashtra
An orange alert is in place for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Pune (ghats), Sindhudurg and Satara. The city may witness heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 60 kmph.
Mumbai is under an orange alert for May 24.Authorities have warned of traffic disruptions and advised people to avoid non-essential travel.
Also Read: Southwest Monsoon reaches Andaman Sea: IMD
Delhi
Delhi is likely to experience pre-monsoon activity with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms between May 23 and 26. Temperatures are expected to hover around 36-39°C, with slightly below-normal highs and gusty winds up to 50 kmph.
The IMD forecasts unstable weather over Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during May 23-26 with partly cloudy skies, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on the horizon.
Kerala
IMD-Bengaluru director N Puviyarasan said conditions across Kerala are favourable to declare the onset of southwest monsoon.
"Despite widespread rain over the past two days, Kerala is yet to announce the onset of monsoon. If rainfall prevails in the state for 48 hours, we may announce the onset of monsoon simultaneously with Kerala,” he said.
Normal life was disrupted in several parts of Kerala on Friday as heavy rains lashed the state. The IMD issued a red alert in Thiruvananthapuram for three hours in the evening due to the likelihood of intense rain and surface winds reaching up to 50 kmph.
Fishing was banned along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts from May 24 to 27 due to rough sea conditions and high waves.
Also Read: Bengaluru weather update: Orange alert issued; red alert for 7 Karnataka districts
Karnataka
Coastal and interior Karnataka are likely to experience the monsoon onset simultaneously with Kerala. IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Karnataka and orange alert for parts of south and north interior Karnataka.
Bengaluru may see scattered rain through the weekend with below-normal temperatures.
Andhra Pradesh
The IMD has predicted five consecutive days of thunderstorms in Andhra Pradesh from May 23 to 27, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds up to 60 kmph. Thunderstorms are likely in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema
Heavy rainfall is also expected in isolated areas of NCAP and Yanam on May 27. The state has already recorded ‘large excess’ rainfall between May 1 and 21, with an average of 88.5 mm, compared to the normal 39.2 mm.
Jharkhand
The IMD has predicted widespread thunderstorms, rainfall, and gusty winds across Jharkhand in the coming days, with below-average maximum temperatures likely to persist until 29 May.
Additionally, the IMD has projected a "cumulatively large excess rainfall" for the period from 30 May to 5 June. An orange alert has been issued for the southern, central, and north-eastern regions of the state.