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IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the next few days. No official cyclone warning has been issued over the Bay of Bengal
IMD centers in Amravati and Hyderabad indicate that rainfall is expected to reduce after July 31, but thunderstorms and strong winds are likely to continue till August 5. (PTI photo)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the coming week, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall likely over many districts in the next 24 hours.
The latest weather bulletins issued by IMD’s meteorological centers in Amravati and Hyderabad indicate that rainfall is expected to gradually reduce after July 31, but thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are likely to continue over many areas till August 5.
The forecast comes as a weather system has strengthened over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns over intense rainfall in both the Telugu states.
Is a cyclone forming in the Bay of Bengal?
Despite speculation on social media, the IMD has not officially declared the formation of a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal.
Instead, the current round of heavy rainfall is being caused by a low pressure weather system developing over the northern Bay of Bengal. Such systems are common during the south-west monsoon and often bring widespread rainfall, storms and strong winds to eastern and southern India.
Whether the system will intensify into a depression or eventually become a cyclonic storm will depend on atmospheric conditions over the next few days. IMD is closely monitoring its activities.
Which areas are expected to receive heavy rain?
Telangana: The IMD has issued a warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for several northern and eastern districts including Adilabad: Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhoopalpally and Mulugu.
Heavy rain has also been predicted in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak and Kamareddy districts.
The intensity of rain is expected to reduce from July 31, however, light to moderate rain and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph may continue over most parts of the state.
Andhra Pradesh: Light to moderate rain, squall and isolated heavy falls are likely over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam in the next two days.
Scattered rain with lightning and wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph is expected over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Rayalaseema is also likely to witness intermittent rain, storm and strong winds till the first week of August.
Why is this rain important?
Heavy monsoon systems can quickly overwhelm urban drainage networks, causing flooding, traffic disruptions and temporary interruptions in electricity and drinking water supplies.
The IMD has advised residents to avoid water-logged roads, stay away from weak walls, electric poles and large trees during strong winds. It also asked residents to avoid taking shelter under trees during the storm due to the danger of lightning. If travel is necessary, follow local advice.
What do IMD’s rainfall warnings mean?
IMD classifies rainfall as:
- Light: 2.5mm to 15.5mm
- Medium: 15.6 mm to 64.4 mm
- Heavy: 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm
- Very heavy: 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm
- Extremely heavy: more than 204.5 mm
Its color-coded warnings indicate the level of risk:
- Green: no action required
- Yellow: Be aware.
- orange: be prepared
- Red: act
What should farmers do?
IMD has advised farmers to keep an eye on local weather forecasts before starting agricultural activities. Residents can also use the department’s official mobile applications like ‘Mausam’ for weather forecast, ‘Damini’ for lightning alerts and ‘Meghdoot’ for agricultural advisories.
While a fresh weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cause heavy rainfall over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the next few days, the IMD has not declared a cyclone at this stage. Officials say the immediate concern is heavy rains, storm surge and localized flooding rather than any definite cyclonic storm.
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