IMD High Alert – In a recent high-impact bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several regions across India, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 30 and 31. As the southwest monsoon advances, intense weather systems are developing rapidly over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, resulting in widespread storms, flash floods, and strong winds in multiple areas. Citizens in the affected states are urged to remain cautious, follow safety protocols, and avoid unnecessary travel.
States Under IMD Red Alert for May 30–31
The IMD has identified five Indian states that will experience the brunt of the upcoming weather disturbance. These states are expected to witness torrential rain, thunderstorms, and possible lightning strikes over the next 48 hours.
List of States on High Rainfall Alert:
- Maharashtra
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Goa
- Tamil Nadu
These states have been issued red and orange warnings, with coastal and hilly areas likely to receive the heaviest rainfall. Urban areas may also experience severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
Key Weather Forecast Details from IMD
The IMD has issued red and orange alerts for five states on May 30–31, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding in several districts. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and follow safety guidelines.
Here’s a summary of the rainfall forecast and red alert details for May 30 and 31:
| State | Alert Level | Expected Rainfall | High-Risk Districts | Likely Impact | Safety Advisory | Duration | Wind Speed Expected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Red | 115–204 mm | Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg | Urban flooding, road blockages | Avoid travel, stay indoor | 30–31 May | 40–60 km/h |
| Kerala | Red | 120–210 mm | Kozhikode, Kannur, Ernakulam | Flash floods, tree falls | Secure loose objects | 30–31 May | 50–65 km/h |
| Karnataka | Orange | 70–120 mm | Udupi, Dakshina Kannada | Power cuts, landslides possible | Stay away from water bodies | 30–31 May | 40–50 km/h |
| Goa | Orange | 90–160 mm | Panaji, Margao | Disruption to transport and services | Follow traffic advisories | 30–31 May | 45–60 km/h |
| Tamil Nadu | Yellow | 50–100 mm | Nilgiris, Coimbatore | Moderate rain, slippery roads | Drive cautiously | 30–31 May | 30–40 km/h |
IMD Rainfall Categories and Their Meaning
To better understand the alerts, here’s a quick breakdown of IMD’s rainfall classification and what each warning signifies:
| Alert Colour | Rainfall (mm) | Significance | Public Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 0–64 | No warning | Normal precautions |
| Yellow | 65–115 | Be updated | Watch weather updates |
| Orange | 116–204 | Be prepared | Avoid travel, secure surroundings |
| Red | >204 | Take action | Immediate steps needed for safety |
Impact and Safety Instructions for the Public
Due to the severity of the weather system, residents in the affected areas should be aware of the following risks and precautions:
Possible Risks:
- Flooding in low-lying areas
- Uprooted trees and damaged power lines
- Disruption in rail, road, and air travel
- Temporary closure of schools and markets
- Landslides in hilly and coastal regions
Safety Measures to Follow:
- Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded streets
- Charge mobile phones and power banks in advance
- Keep emergency contacts and first-aid kits handy
- Listen to official updates via radio or IMD website
Timeline of Expected Rainfall Events
Below is a day-wise breakdown of the expected rainfall impact across major cities:
| Date | City | Forecast Details | IMD Alert |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30 | Mumbai | Heavy rain with thunderstorms | Red |
| May 30 | Kochi | Very heavy rain, possible flooding | Red |
| May 30 | Panaji | Intense rain, waterlogging risk | Orange |
| May 31 | Mangaluru | Scattered heavy rain | Orange |
| May 31 | Chennai (West TN) | Light to moderate rain | Yellow |
| May 31 | Bengaluru | Showers in southern outskirts | Orange |
| May 31 | Madurai | Intermittent rain | Yellow |
Role of Southwest Monsoon and Climate Patterns
The intensity of this alert is closely linked to the advancement of the southwest monsoon, which is entering peninsular India earlier than usual. Combined with a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea, these systems are drawing moisture inland and creating a high-pressure imbalance, resulting in severe rainfall bursts.
Climatic Patterns Driving the Rainfall:
- Early southwest monsoon onset
- Active western disturbances
- Moisture-laden winds from Bay of Bengal
- Temporary low-pressure zones
What Authorities Are Doing
Local governments and disaster response teams have taken proactive steps to minimize disruption:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed in coastal areas
- Drainage cleaning in urban regions accelerated
- Early warning systems activated
- Evacuation plans ready in vulnerable zones
- School closures declared in red-alert districts
The IMD continues to monitor the evolving weather patterns and is expected to release updated bulletins every 6 hours. Citizens are urged to stay informed through verified news channels and the official IMD portal. Panic should be avoided, but caution is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does a red alert from IMD mean?
A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall that can lead to dangerous conditions such as flooding, infrastructure damage, and loss of life. Immediate action and safety measures are required.
Q2: Which states are most affected by the current red alert?
Maharashtra and Kerala are the two states under the most severe red alert. Karnataka, Goa, and Tamil Nadu are under moderate to high alerts.
Q3: Can schools and offices be closed during this alert?
Yes, depending on the local administration’s decisions, schools and non-essential offices in affected areas may be closed for safety reasons.
Q4: How can I stay safe during very heavy rainfall?
Avoid travel, stay indoors, do not cross flooded roads, keep emergency supplies ready, and follow updates from IMD and local authorities.
Q5: Where can I find real-time updates on the alert?
Visit the official IMD website (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/) or follow their Twitter handle for hourly updates and region-specific advisories.