The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall across parts of south India on Tuesday, October 20, with Tamil Nadu, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka expected to receive showers, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds could affect several areas. A yellow alert is in force for 17 Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Tiruchi, until October 23.
The forecast places Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal at the centre of the immediate weather alert. The IMD has warned of isolated very heavy rainfall in these areas between October 19 and 21. Thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts of up to 60 kmph, are also expected in parts of the region.
Rainfall may continue after Tuesday. The IMD has forecast heavy rain at isolated places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from October 22 to 24, indicating that wet conditions could persist through the week. Residents in districts under alert have been advised to follow official weather updates and exercise caution during thunderstorms and periods of intense rainfall.
Kerala and Mahe are likely to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall on Tuesday, with isolated heavy rain forecast between October 19 and 24. Lakshadweep may also receive widespread rainfall, including isolated heavy showers from October 21 to 23. Winds in Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep may reach 30-40 kmph, with gusts of up to 50 kmph on October 19 and 20. Isolated thunderstorms and lightning are possible in these areas on October 21 and 22.
South Interior Karnataka is expected to see fairly widespread to widespread rainfall on Tuesday, with isolated heavy showers possible through October 24. North Interior Karnataka may receive isolated to scattered showers during the period. Winds reaching 30-40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, are likely over both parts of the state on October 19 and 20. Coastal Karnataka may see rainfall on October 19 and 20, followed by another increase in rainfall activity on October 23 and 24.
The forecast also covers Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and Telangana. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, along with Rayalaseema, may receive isolated to scattered rain on Tuesday, with isolated heavy rainfall forecast from October 19 to 21. Thunderstorms, lightning and winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, are expected on October 19 and 20. Strong surface winds may continue over parts of Andhra Pradesh through October 22, while Telangana could receive isolated to scattered showers with thunderstorms and lightning until October 21.
The forecast has direct implications for urban movement and public safety in the districts under alert, particularly during periods of intense rain, lightning and gusty winds. The IMD has advised residents to monitor official updates, with particular attention recommended in areas covered by weather alerts.
No significant weather activity is expected across northwest, central, eastern, western and northeastern India during the week, according to the IMD. The main rainfall activity is forecast to remain concentrated over south peninsular India, with conditions expected to continue across several areas through October 24.
