IMD Issues Orange Alert for Maharashtra Districts, Warns of Cyclonic Activity over Bay of Bengal

New Delhi | October 27, 2025 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued an orange alert for three districts in Maharashtra — Dhule, Nandurbar, and Nashik — forecasting moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40-50 km per hour from Monday through Tuesday. According to the IMD bulletin, Dhule district is expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, moderate showers, and gusty winds between Sunday evening and Monday morning. The weather conditions are likely to ease to light or moderate rainfall by Tuesday. Similarly, Nandurbar district may experience moderate rainfall and thunderstorms from Monday morning until Tuesday night, with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph. In Nashik, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are predicted to begin early Monday, with gusty winds between 30 and 40 kmph. The IMD has also cautioned residents about potential disruptions due to lightning and temporary waterlogging in some areas. Meanwhile, the IMD has reported that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and may evolve into a cyclonic storm — likely named Cyclone Montha — by October 28. The system, centred near latitude 11.0°N and longitude 87.7°E late on Saturday, is moving west-northwest at around 8 kmph. It currently lies about 550 km west of Port Blair and approximately 850 km east-southeast of Chennai. The IMD forecasts that the storm will intensify into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday morning. It is expected to further strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning while moving northwestwards and later turning north-northwestwards. In anticipation, the Andhra Pradesh government has rolled out an action plan for pre-cyclone preparedness, focusing on essential supplies and emergency relief. State Civil Supplies Minister N. Manohar stated that the plan ensures adequate stock positioning of Public Distribution System (PDS) commodities, fuel reserves, paddy procurement arrangements, and food supply to relief shelters. The IMD has issued rainfall alerts for multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal. Beginning October 27, light to moderate rainfall is expected in south Bengal districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, and Hooghly. Between October 28 and 31, heavy rain is anticipated in several areas, including North and South 24 Parganas, Purulia, Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad. In view of the intensifying storm, red alerts have been issued for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore. The IMD has urged residents and local authorities to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and adhere to safety advisories as the system progresses toward the coast. Storm Watch: IMD Sounds Orange Alert Across Maharashtra The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Dhule, Nandurbar, and Nashik districts, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 50 kmph. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected from Monday through Tuesday, with residents advised to stay cautious. Meanwhile, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into Cyclone Montha, likely to bring heavy rain to Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Authorities are on high alert, preparing relief measures to ensure safety as the storm approaches. Nature’s reminder: stay prepared, stay safe, and respect the skies’ power.