Rain Alert – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert forecasting continuous rainfall across several parts of the country for the next 7 days. This comes in light of an active weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The alert is aimed at helping citizens prepare for potential travel disruptions, flooding risks, and power outages in affected regions. The forecast indicates that multiple states are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. If you’re residing in or planning to travel through any of the listed areas, it’s important to stay informed and take precautionary measures.
IMD’s 7-Day Rain Forecast – A Regional Breakdown
The IMD’s 7-day rain forecast highlights significant rainfall activity across multiple regions due to evolving weather systems. States like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Assam are expected to witness heavy downpours, while other areas may see moderate showers. Citizens are advised to stay alert and follow official weather updates for safety.
According to IMD, the following states are expected to receive heavy rainfall from today onwards:
- Maharashtra
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Meghalaya
Rainfall Intensity Forecast by Region
Under the heading “Rainfall Intensity Forecast by Region,” the IMD has categorized expected rainfall levels across different states based on severity. This includes light, moderate, heavy, and very heavy rainfall classifications. The forecast helps citizens understand the specific intensity of rain in their region and prepare accordingly for safety and disruption.
| State | Rainfall Category | Likely Districts Affected | Expected Rainfall (mm) | Thunderstorms | Wind Speed (km/h) | Alerts Issued | Flood Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Heavy to Very Heavy | Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad | 80-120 | Yes | 40-50 | Orange | High |
| Kerala | Heavy | Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode | 70-100 | Yes | 30-40 | Yellow | Moderate |
| Karnataka | Moderate to Heavy | Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mysuru | 60-90 | Possible | 20-30 | Yellow | Low |
| Tamil Nadu | Moderate | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai | 40-60 | Low | 10-20 | No | Low |
| West Bengal | Heavy | Kolkata, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri | 70-100 | Yes | 25-35 | Yellow | Moderate |
| Assam | Very Heavy | Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat | 90-130 | Yes | 40-60 | Orange | High |
| Meghalaya | Heavy | Shillong, Cherrapunji | 80-110 | Yes | 35-45 | Yellow | High |
Key Weather Systems Behind the Showers
Several climatic patterns are contributing to this wet spell:
- A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into a depression.
- Strong westerly winds from the Arabian Sea are colliding with moist air from the east.
- Cyclonic circulation has been observed over central and southern India.
These combined systems are triggering widespread rain across both coastal and interior regions.
Cities on High Alert: What You Need to Know
The IMD has placed certain cities on high alert due to risk of waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and flash floods. Here’s a list of key cities to watch out for:
- Mumbai: Heavy downpours could lead to local train delays and traffic snarls.
- Bengaluru: Office-goers advised to leave early due to slow-moving traffic and poor visibility.
- Guwahati: Landslide-prone zones under close observation.
City-Level Weather Alerts
| City | Alert Type | Forecast Date Range | Major Concerns | Advisory Issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | Orange | May 23 – May 29 | Waterlogging, train delays | Yes |
| Bengaluru | Yellow | May 23 – May 27 | Traffic congestion, slippery roads | Yes |
| Guwahati | Orange | May 24 – May 30 | Flood risk, landslides | Yes |
| Chennai | No Alert | May 23 – May 25 | Mild showers only | No |
Safety Guidelines During the Rain Alert
Residents in the affected areas are advised to follow these basic precautions:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy showers.
- Keep mobile phones charged and stock up on essentials.
- Do not touch electric poles or wires during rain.
- Stay updated through IMD’s official app or website.
- Be cautious in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Likely Impact on Agriculture and Rural Areas
Farmers are especially advised to protect standing crops and take preemptive action:
- Secure harvested crops in storage.
- Drain excess water from fields to prevent root damage.
- Delay fertilizer application during heavy rain days.
- Monitor local agri-department bulletins for crop advisory.
Agriculture Impact by State
| State | Crop at Risk | Suggested Action | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Paddy, Sugarcane | Improve drainage in fields | High |
| Kerala | Rubber, Coconut | Avoid manual harvesting during storms | Moderate |
| Assam | Tea, Rice | Use protective cover over plucked leaves | High |
| Karnataka | Millet, Pulses | Resume fieldwork only after rainfall subsides | Low |
When Will the Rain Subside?
As per the latest projections, rainfall is expected to gradually weaken after a week, starting from June 1 in southern states and by June 3 in the northeastern belt. However, occasional thunderstorms may continue in hilly regions beyond that period.
The upcoming week is going to be challenging for many regions due to continuous rainfall and associated risks. Citizens are urged to remain cautious and regularly monitor weather updates through reliable sources. The IMD continues to track the developing weather systems and will issue fresh updates if the situation escalates. Staying prepared and following advisories will be key to minimizing inconvenience and ensuring safety during this extended rain alert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long will the rain continue in Maharashtra?
IMD forecasts suggest that heavy rainfall will persist in Maharashtra, especially coastal regions, until at least May 29.
Q2. Which states have been issued an orange alert?
Maharashtra, Assam, and select districts in Meghalaya are currently under orange alert due to high rainfall probability and associated risks.
Q3. Is there a risk of flooding in urban areas?
Yes, cities like Mumbai and Guwahati are at moderate to high risk of urban flooding due to poor drainage and continuous heavy showers.
Q4. How should farmers prepare for this rain spell?
Farmers should secure their crops, improve drainage, and avoid applying fertilizers during heavy rain. Follow agri-department advisories for more tips.
Q5. Where can I check daily IMD updates?
Visit the official IMD website or download the ‘Mausam’ app by IMD for real-time forecasts and alerts.