IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha as the weather system strengthens
A developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea is expected to intensify, triggering a fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of eastern and central India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast significant rainfall over north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha as the weather system moves and strengthens.
The system is also expected to bring thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in several areas, while rough to very rough sea conditions are likely along parts of the Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal coasts.
Low-pressure system likely to intensify
The weather system over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea is expected to strengthen and influence weather conditions across a broad belt of eastern and central India.
South Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to receive some of the heaviest rainfall associated with the system. Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha are also expected to experience intensified rainfall during the period.
The system's development comes as the southwest monsoon begins its seasonal withdrawal from parts of northwest India, creating a contrasting weather pattern across different regions of the country.
Heavy rain expected across eastern and central India
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several states as moisture from the Bay of Bengal feeds into the developing weather system.
North coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha are expected to remain among the key areas of concern. Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha could also experience periods of intense rainfall.
Heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning may affect daily activity, road transportation and local infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Urban areas could face temporary waterlogging if rainfall becomes intense over short periods, while low-lying and poorly drained areas may experience localized flooding.
Strong winds and rough seas along eastern coast
The developing system is also expected to generate stronger winds over the Bay of Bengal.
According to the IMD forecast, squally winds could reach speeds of around 55-65 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 75 kmph over parts of the Bay of Bengal.
Sea conditions are expected to become rough to very rough along sections of the Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal coasts.
The IMD has advised fishermen against venturing into affected parts of the sea during the period of hazardous conditions.
The combination of strong winds and rough seas could affect fishing activity, coastal transportation and other marine operations.
Monsoon withdrawal begins from northwest India
While eastern and central India prepare for another spell of rainfall, the southwest monsoon continues its gradual withdrawal from northwest India.
The IMD said conditions are favourable for further withdrawal from parts of Rajasthan, Punjab and Saurashtra-Kutch.
The withdrawal marks the beginning of the seasonal transition toward drier conditions across northwest India. However, the monsoon remains active over several eastern, central and southern parts of the country.
The contrasting weather pattern is expected to continue as the low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal.
Rainfall outlook for eastern India
Eastern India is expected to remain active, with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall forecast over Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The developing weather system could strengthen rainfall activity in several areas, particularly those located closer to its projected influence zone.
Heavy rainfall may affect transportation and outdoor activity, while farmers and local administrations are expected to closely monitor weather warnings.
Central India may also receive widespread showers
Central India is another region likely to experience widespread rainfall.
Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha are among the areas specifically highlighted by the IMD for heavy rainfall, while Madhya Pradesh is also expected to receive widespread showers.
The rainfall could provide additional moisture to agricultural regions but may also create challenges in areas that receive intense precipitation over short periods.
Northeast India to remain wet
Several parts of the Northeast are also expected to receive scattered to widespread rainfall.
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to experience rainfall activity, with parts of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura also expected to receive showers.
Localised heavy rainfall could result in difficult travel conditions, particularly in hilly areas where prolonged or intense rain can increase the risk of landslides.
Southern and western regions also likely to receive rain
The weather system's broader influence is expected to extend into parts of southern and western India.
Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu are among the southern states expected to receive widespread showers.
In western India, rainfall is forecast over parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Konkan-Goa region.
The distribution of rainfall is expected to remain uneven, with some areas experiencing heavier spells while others receive comparatively lighter showers.
Delhi likely to remain largely dry
The weather situation in Delhi is expected to be significantly different from the conditions across eastern and central India.
The national capital is likely to remain largely dry, with mainly clear skies forecast. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 34-36 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures could remain between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has forecast largely dry conditions in Delhi through the week, with maximum temperatures expected to remain in the 33-36 degrees Celsius range.
No significant change in maximum temperatures is expected over the next seven days, according to the forecast.
Potential impact on agriculture and infrastructure
The fresh rainfall spell could have mixed implications for agriculture.
Additional rainfall can support soil moisture and water availability in regions where precipitation remains within manageable levels. However, intense or prolonged rainfall can also create risks for standing crops, particularly in areas with inadequate drainage.
Infrastructure could also face temporary pressure from heavy rain. Waterlogging, road disruptions and localized flooding are among the immediate risks in areas receiving intense showers.
Coastal districts will require additional caution because strong winds and rough seas could affect fishing and other marine activities.
Weather system to remain closely monitored
The movement and intensification of the Bay of Bengal system will determine the distribution and intensity of rainfall over the coming days.
Authorities in the affected states are expected to monitor IMD alerts, particularly in districts vulnerable to flooding, landslides and strong winds.
Residents in areas under heavy-rainfall warnings are likely to face disruptions to transportation and outdoor activities, while fishermen have been advised to remain away from hazardous sea conditions.
The simultaneous withdrawal of the monsoon from northwest India and strengthening of rainfall activity in eastern and central India highlights the changing weather pattern across the country as the southwest monsoon season progresses toward its withdrawal phase.