India Braces for Widespread Rainfall, Thunderstorms, and Gusty Winds

As per theIndia Meteorological Department’s latest bulletin, released on October 30 at 20:04 IST, several parts of the country will experience widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty from October 31 onwards.The bulletin highlights the continuation of active weather systems over eastern, northeastern, and southern India, with potential impacts over western and northwestern regions in the coming days.Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in east and northeast IndiaStarting October 31, eastern and northeastern states are set to experience intense rainfall activity. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy rainfall over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.Bihar is also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain, particularly in northern and eastern districts, while Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal are likely to witness heavy showers at isolated places.Delhi Tries to Make It Rain With Cloud Seeding: A High-Stakes Weather Experiment to Fight Toxic AirIMD also forecasts thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) over Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Residents have been advised to exercise caution, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also continue to receive heavy rainfall on October 31 and November 1 due to persistent moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal. These islands are likely to see thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds. Local ferry and aviation services may see some disturbances, so in case of any travel plans, check the local weather forecast before starting your journey.Northeast India to witness continued thunderstormsThe northeastern states are likely to remain under the influence of active weather systems.Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are expected to receive heavy rainfall on October 31 and November 1, while Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura could also experience localised downpours. According to the forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely across most of the region during the next three days.These conditions could cause minor disruptions to transport and agriculture, particularly in hilly and flood-sensitive regions.Make sure to check the local weather forecast before planning trips.The IMD has predicted a phase of wet weather for parts of central and western India. Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha region, and Chhattisgarh are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning between October 31 and November 2. The central belt could also face gusty winds, with speeds reaching up to 40 kmph in some areas.In western India, the forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall over Konkan and Goa, Gujarat, and parts of central Maharashtra.On October 31, Gujarat is likely to see particularly intense activity, accompanied by thunderstorms.The Arabian Sea remains turbulent, with squally weather conditions expected along and off the Gujarat and north Konkan coasts. Winds are forecast to reach speeds of 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph, increasing to 45–55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph in some offshore areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these sea regions over the next 48 hours.Rainfall spells to extend into the first week of NovemberAs per the bulletin, between November 2 and 5, isolated to scattered rainfall activity is likely over parts of eastern and southern India, while northwestern India could witness its first spell of winter rain. A western disturbance is expected to influence Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan as well. The higher altitude Himalayan regions may experience light to moderate rain and snowfall between November 3 and 5.Also, the system is likely to mark the beginning of the winter precipitation cycle in the Himalayan region.During this period, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are expected to see isolated thunderstorms, while squally winds over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining parts of the Bay of Bengal.Daily weather forecast in briefOctober 31Extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Bihar.Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, east Uttar Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Goa, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim.Thunderstorm with lightning over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, east Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra.Squally weather: 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph along and off Gujarat and north Konkan coasts; 45–55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph over parts of east central and northeast Arabian Sea.November 1Heavy rainfall over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Gujarat, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha.Thunderstorms with lightning at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.Squally weather: 45–55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph along and off north Gujarat coast and nearby sea areas.November 2Thunderstorms with lightning at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.Squally Winds of 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph likely over the north Andaman Sea.November 3Thunderstorms with lightning at isolated places over Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.Winds of 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph over the north Andaman Sea, eastern parts of the east central Bay of Bengal, and adjoining northeast Bay of Bengal.November 4–5Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, light to moderate rainfall/snowfall is expected over northwest India, including the Western Himalayan region.Given the forecast of squally winds and rough sea conditions over the Arabian Sea and parts of the Bay of Bengal, the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea from October 31 to November 3.