The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several parts of southern India, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka until October 18. The weather agency has advised residents and local authorities to stay on alert due to the potential risk of flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
According to the IMD, a combination of cyclonic circulations and upper air troughs is causing enhanced rainfall activity across the southern peninsula. The department said that moderate to heavy rain is expected in many areas, particularly in coastal regions, while interior districts may witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h.
In Kerala, several districts including Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kannur have been placed under a yellow alert. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as squally winds with speeds of 35–45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, are likely along the coast. The state is also expected to experience isolated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week.
The Tamil Nadu Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy rain for districts such as Chennai, Vellore, and Tiruvallur, where waterlogging and traffic disruptions are possible. The IMD noted that atmospheric instability and the influence of the northeast monsoon could lead to rainfall exceeding normal levels in northern and interior parts of the state over the next few days.
In Karnataka, the IMD has warned of rainfall in Bengaluru, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and surrounding districts. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has urged residents to remain cautious, especially in areas prone to urban flooding. Officials have also advised motorists to avoid waterlogged roads and to stay indoors during lightning activity.
Meteorologists attribute the ongoing weather pattern to the residual circulation of Cyclonic Storm Shakhti over the west-central Arabian Sea, along with troughs extending from Chhattisgarh to the Gulf of Mannar. These systems are sustaining moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, leading to persistent rainfall across the region.
The IMD has stated that isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue in parts of southern India until October 18, after which conditions may gradually improve. However, localized flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions remain possible, particularly in hilly and coastal areas.
Authorities in all three states have instructed disaster response teams to stay prepared and have urged citizens to follow weather updates regularly. Travellers are advised to check forecasts and avoid venturing into vulnerable areas during heavy downpours.
The IMD continues to monitor the evolving systems closely and will issue updates as conditions change.
