Southern India Braces for Heavy Rain, Rajasthan Faces Cold Wave
Heavy Rain Alert in South India, Cold Wave in Rajasthan

The India Meteorological Department has issued significant weather warnings for multiple regions across the country, with southern states preparing for intense rainfall activity and northwestern India bracing for early winter conditions.

Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms to Lash Southern States

Beginning November 29, several southern states are likely to experience widespread rainfall activity, with the most severe impact expected in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and parts of Kerala and South Interior Karnataka.

The weather agency has indicated isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam and Rayalaseema from November 29 to December 1. The situation is particularly serious for south Coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Rayalaseema, where isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely on November 30.

Tamil Nadu will witness similar conditions with heavy rain persisting from November 29 to December 1, including isolated extremely heavy rainfall along the coastal belt during November 29-30. Kerala and Mahe are also expected to receive heavy rain on November 29, while south interior Karnataka may experience heavy rainfall on November 29 and 30. Telangana is likely to get heavy showers on November 30.

Alongside rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning are forecast across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala during this period, significantly increasing the risk of sudden weather-induced hazards.

Temperature Fluctuations and Cold Wave Alert

Temperature patterns will vary considerably across different regions of the country. While East India is unlikely to see significant temperature shifts for the next three days, a slight drop of 2-3 degrees Celsius may occur from December 2 onward.

Maharashtra will experience a brief warming trend over the next two days, while Gujarat may see temperatures rise by 3-4 degrees Celsius starting November 30.

In contrast, northwest India is preparing for an early winter chill. Cold wave conditions are expected in isolated pockets over Rajasthan between December 3-5, signaling an early dip in temperatures as the northern plains move deeper into winter.

Coastal Warnings and Sea Conditions

The IMD has issued strong warnings for coastal regions, particularly around Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Sri Lanka, and Andhra Pradesh. Gale-force winds of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph are expected over the southwest Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin area, and areas along and off the Sri Lanka coast until November 30 morning.

These winds will gradually weaken to 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph on December 1. Similar wind speeds are forecast along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between November 29 and 30.

Wind speeds over the westcentral Bay of Bengal and the south Andhra Pradesh coast will strengthen to 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from November 29 evening before reducing gradually from December 1.

These conditions are expected to produce high to very high sea states, prompting stringent warnings for fishermen. Fishing operations remain totally suspended along coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Sri Lanka, and south Andhra Pradesh until December 1.

Additional Weather Hazards and Precautions

As temperatures cool, dense fog is likely to develop over parts of Himachal Pradesh from November 29 to December 1, and over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi on November 29-30. East Rajasthan may also see fog formation on November 30 and December 1, reducing visibility and potentially affecting road and rail movement.

Due to saturated soil and additional rainfall, the IMD has warned of moderate flash flood risk over parts of Kerala & Mahe, specifically in Idukki, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Thiruvananthapuram districts until the evening of November 29.

Heavy rainfall may also lead to localized flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas, closure of underpasses, and disruption of urban traffic, particularly in major cities of southern India. There is a possibility of minor damage to kutcha roads, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable hilly regions.

Standing crops and horticultural fields may suffer damage due to inundation. Commuters are advised to check traffic updates regularly and avoid waterlogged areas. Those in coastal regions should follow marine advisories strictly and refrain from entering the sea until conditions normalize.