India is bracing for a double weather threat as two major systems impact Indian waters simultaneously. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, likely to intensify into Cyclone Montha, and a depression over the east-central Arabian Sea, both bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions.
Metropolitan cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata are likely to witness adverse weather conditions due to both systems.
Cyclone Montha on Bay of Bengal
Meteorologists predict that the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal will strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 27 and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28. The met department predicts that the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal will strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 27 and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28.
Meteorologists expect the system to move northwestward and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by the evening or night of October 28. Forecasts indicate widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh from October 27 to 30. Wind speeds near the landfall zone are likely to reach 90–100 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h.
Coastal areas such as Bapatla, Krishna, Konaseema, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam will face the brunt of the storm, while neighboring districts like Tirupati and Nellore may also experience very heavy rain depending on the cyclone’s track.
Meteorologists warn of a ‘calm before the storm’ phase on October 26, advising residents to plan their activities and safety measures in advance. Red alerts have been issued, and people are urged to stay indoors and secure their property as Cyclone Montha approaches.
Depression on Arabian Sea
At the same time, a depression over the east-central Arabian Sea is moving north-northeastward. While it is not expected to intensify significantly, it will bring rough seas, squally winds (40–55 km/h gusting to 65 km/h), and heavy rainfall across coastal Karnataka, Goa, Konkan, and Kerala between October 26 and 28. The IMD has strongly advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and adjacent coastal waters during this period.
IMD rainfall advisory across States
- October 26–30: Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh & Yanam
- October 27–30: Rainfall intensifies in Telangana, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh
- October 27–28: Very heavy to extremely heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Rayalaseema
Preparing for double trouble
With two separate weather systems impacting southern and eastern India simultaneously, authorities have urged residents to take early precautions. Cyclone Montha will likely hit Andhra Pradesh with peak intensity on October 28, while a depression over the Arabian Sea continues to churn up rough seas and trigger rainfall along western coastal states. Authorities have placed emergency services and disaster management teams on high alert to tackle floods, strong winds, and other weather-related threats.
In short, India is facing a dual meteorological challenge, with Cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea depression simultaneously threatening coastal and inland regions, demanding heightened vigilance, preparedness, and caution.
