IMD Forecast: Heavy Rain to Continue Across South India Till October 23; Very Heavy Showers Likely in Tamil Nadu
According to the IMD’s bulletin issued on October 17, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is likely over Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during October 17–23. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are expected to receive widespread rainfall on October 17 and 18, followed by isolated to scattered showers during October 19–23.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast for Multiple States
The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on October 18–19 and again from October 21–23. Kerala and South Interior Karnataka may receive heavy showers throughout October 18–23. Heavy rain is also likely over Coastal Karnataka during October 20–22 and Lakshadweep on October 17 and October 20–23.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are expected to experience heavy rainfall between October 18 and 21. North Interior Karnataka may receive isolated heavy showers on October 17.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Expected
The IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in several southern regions. Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph, are likely over Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep on October 17, as well as Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on October 17–18.
Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, are forecast over North and South Interior Karnataka during October 17–21, Telangana during October 17–22, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during October 19–21. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during October 17–23, and over Coastal Karnataka during October 17–21. Strong surface winds are expected over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during October 17–21.
Heavy Rain Already Recorded
Several areas recorded substantial rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on October 17. Kannur in Kerala received 16 cm, while Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu recorded 15 cm. Goa’s Dabolim received 12 cm, and Manki in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district recorded 10 cm. Chittoor in Rayalaseema received 8 cm, while Guntur in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Kunigal in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district each recorded 7 cm.
The IMD reported very heavy rainfall of 12–20 cm in parts of Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, while heavy rainfall of 7–11 cm was recorded in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka.
Rain and Thunderstorms Likely in Western India
Parts of western India may also experience unsettled weather. Isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, are forecast over Konkan and Goa and Marathwada during October 17–19. Madhya Maharashtra may experience similar conditions during October 17–20. Hot and humid weather is also likely over Konkan and Goa on October 17. In contrast, the IMD has forecast no significant weather activity over northwest, central, eastern and northeastern India during the week.
Delhi Weather Forecast: Clear Skies Ahead
Delhi is expected to experience mainly clear skies from October 18 to 20. Maximum temperatures are forecast to remain between 31°C and 33°C, while minimum temperatures are likely to range from 18°C to 20°C.
For October 17, partly cloudy skies and maximum temperatures of 31°C–33°C are forecast. Winds are expected to change direction and remain moderate during the coming days.
IMD Advises Caution in Rain-Affected Areas
Heavy rainfall and gusty winds may cause waterlogging, localised flooding, landslides, damage to vulnerable structures and disruption to road and rail traffic. Strong winds could also damage plantations, horticultural crops and standing crops, while small boats and fishing vessels may be affected.
The IMD has advised people in vulnerable areas to monitor official weather warnings, take shelter during thunderstorms and avoid standing under trees during lightning. Farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage in fields, secure harvested produce and support vulnerable crops against strong winds.
A fishermen’s warning is in force for areas along and off the Karnataka and Kerala coasts and the Lakshadweep region from October 17 to 19.
The department has urged authorities and residents in vulnerable urban and hilly areas to take appropriate precautions based on official district-level warnings. Forecasts may change as weather systems evolve, and residents should follow the latest IMD advisories.
