A severe cyclonic storm is set to intensify over the Bay of Bengal, threatening to bring extremely heavy rainfall to parts of India, including Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh in the coming days. The storm, currently a depression, is expected to escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by October 27 and further into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 28, 2026, as it moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The depression, located over the Eastcentral and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal, has been moving southwest at 5 kmph. As of 11:30 a.m. today, it was positioned approximately 420 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands and 870 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. The system is projected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by early tomorrow and further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 27.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across several states. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to experience significant rainfall on October 27 and 28, while Odisha and Telangana will likely see heavy downpours on October 28. Chhattisgarh is forecasted to be affected on October 28 and 29. The storm is anticipated to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with wind speeds reaching 115-125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.
In response to the impending storm, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed cyclone preparedness measures. He instructed officials to prevent fishermen from venturing into the sea, alert residents in low-lying areas, and establish toll-free numbers for emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has already impacted parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The IMD reported very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm in southern interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala over the past 24 hours. Heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was recorded in Rayalaseema and coastal Karnataka.
In Tamil Nadu, the Regional Meteorological Centre forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Chennai and other districts. Authorities in Salem district have advised against visiting Yercaud Hills due to heavy rain, while Tiruvannamalai district has banned tourists from visiting Bheeman Falls in the Jawadhu Hills.
Kerala is also on high alert, with the IMD issuing a red alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts, indicating extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours. An orange alert is in place for 10 other districts, forecasting very heavy rain of 11-20 cm, and a yellow alert for Kasaragod district, predicting heavy rain of 6-11 cm.
In West Bengal, the cyclonic storm is expected to bring heavy rain from October 28 to 30. Squally winds are anticipated along the coast from October 27, affecting South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, and Purulia. Northern districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar are likely to experience heavy rain on October 29 and 30.
As a precaution, fishermen have been advised to avoid the sea from October 27. In Bengaluru, heavy rain lashed parts of the city early Sunday, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. The city is expected to remain cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 26°C.
In Delhi, temperatures dropped to 17°C following overnight rain and thunderstorms. The city recorded 4.4 mm of rainfall between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with more rain and thunderstorms expected. The air quality index stood at 167, categorized as 'moderate', with some areas reaching the 'poor' category.
