Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; September 22: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Telangana, with several other parts of southern and central India also expected to experience unsettled weather over the coming days. The latest weather outlook indicates that rainfall activity, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely to affect a number of states as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal influences conditions across eastern and southern India.

The weather department, heavy rainfall is likely in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Telangana. The IMD has also indicated that Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Madhya Maharashtra could experience adverse weather conditions during the next two to three days. Several of these regions may receive widespread showers, while isolated areas could record heavier spells depending on the movement and intensity of the prevailing weather system. 

The developing weather pattern is being closely monitored as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. According to reports citing the IMD, the system is expected to strengthen further and cross the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast between Gopalpur and Visakhapatnam around the night of September 23 or early September 24. The system is expected to bring increased rainfall activity over parts of eastern and central India as it moves inland. 

Along with heavy rain, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several areas. For the next 24 hours, such weather activity is expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Telangana. The combination of rain, lightning and strong winds could lead to temporary disruption of normal activities, particularly in areas that receive intense thunderstorms.

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to remain under the influence of thunderstorms and lightning through September 23. The IMD's subdivision-wise warning issued on September 22 lists thunderstorm and lightning activity for September 22 and 23, while no such warning is currently listed for the following days in that particular bulletin. This indicates that the most immediate concern in the region is associated with thunderstorms and accompanying weather activity during the next couple of days. 

Telangana is also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms during this period. The wider southern region remains under the influence of the active weather pattern, with heavy rainfall forecast in Telangana along with parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Hyderabad's IMD forecast also indicates generally cloudy conditions with moderate rain during the period.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to see cloudy conditions accompanied by rain or thunderstorms. The island region is particularly vulnerable to rapidly changing marine weather conditions, and the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Andaman Sea because of the adverse weather situation. Rough sea conditions, strong winds and thunderstorms can make marine activities hazardous during periods of active weather.

The weather system is also expected to influence parts of eastern and central India. Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are among the areas where rain and thunderstorms are expected, while Coastal Andhra Pradesh could see significant rainfall as the system approaches and crosses the coast. Karnataka and Madhya Maharashtra are also expected to experience unsettled weather over the next few days. 

Authorities and residents in the affected regions have been advised to remain alert and follow the latest local weather warnings. People should exercise caution during thunderstorms, particularly in open areas, while fishermen and those involved in marine activities have been advised to follow official restrictions and weather advisories. With the weather system continuing to evolve, the IMD is monitoring its movement and intensity and may update warnings as conditions change.