India is currently experiencing an unprecedented weather event, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red alerts for heavy rainfall across multiple states. These alerts, indicating the highest level of weather warning, signal the potential for severe weather conditions requiring immediate attention and preparedness.(www.ndtv.com)
Red Alerts Issued by IMD
Kerala
As of May 26, 2025, the IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in 11 out of 14 districts in Kerala, including Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The remaining districts—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha—are under an orange alert, indicating moderately heavy rainfall. Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in 11 out of 14 districts in Kerala on May 26, 2025. The remaining three districts—Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha—are under an orange alert, indicating moderately heavy rainfall. The alerts indicate the potential for severe weather conditions and the need for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety .
Maharashtra
Mumbai has recorded its wettest May in over a century, prompting the IMD to upgrade its weather warning from an orange alert to a red alert for the city, Thane, and Raigad. The red alert indicates the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. (The Times of India)
Mumbai has been severely affected by torrential rains, causing flooding and breaking previous rainfall records. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, heavy rain, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50–60 km/h. These conditions have resulted in waterlogged streets, hampering daily life and transportation. The heavy downpour has disrupted local train services and affected over 250 flights
Karnataka
The IMD has issued a red alert for coastal Karnataka, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h. The alert is in effect for the next five days, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors and avoid travel during adverse weather conditions. (mint, Hindustan Times)
In Karnataka, particularly in the Dakshina Kannada district, heavy rainfall has led to rising river levels, prompting authorities to issue warnings for tourists visiting areas like Dharmasthala and Kukke Subrahmanya. The India Meteorological Department has issued a rainfall alert for South Interior and Coastal Karnataka, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds with very heavy and extremely heavy rain at isolated places during May 25–27 .
Tamil Nadu
A red alert has been issued for Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. The alert is in effect for May 26, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to continue until May 29. (Hindustan Times, mint)
Odisha
The IMD has forecasted a new spell of rainfall in Odisha until May 31 due to the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal by May 27. The system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds to several districts, including Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Jajpur. (The Times of India)
This system, influenced by a cyclonic circulation and an upper air trough from the east-central Arabian Sea to north Odisha, is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds to several districts .
Meteorological Factors Behind the Alerts
The current heavy rainfall events are attributed to several meteorological factors:
- Early Onset of the Southwest Monsoon: The southwest monsoon has arrived earlier than usual, bringing substantial rainfall to coastal regions.
- Western Disturbances: These disturbances, originating from the Mediterranean region, have intensified, leading to unusual and violent storms across northern and central India.
- Low-Pressure Systems: The formation of low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has contributed to the sustained rainfall and storm activity.
Safety Measures and Precautions
In light of the red alerts, residents in affected areas are advised to:
- Stay Indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in low-lying and coastal areas prone to flooding.
- Secure Property: Ensure that windows and doors are secured, and remove any items that could be blown away by strong winds.
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed through official channels for the latest weather warnings and advisories.
- Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to any evacuation orders or safety instructions issued by local authorities.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, residents are encouraged to visit the IMD’s official website or follow local news outlets.(India Meteorological Department)