The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall in many northeastern states and Delhi is expected to have another mostly dry day. The current weather outlook for October 1 shows a different picture all over the country; the northeast and south India are expected to experience a lot of rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds, while the rest of northern India is relatively dry.
In the northeast, it is expected that rainfall will come from Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, and the IMD forecast is for scattered showers to occur in some places with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. The rainfall activity in the northeast is linked to a weather system over the region that is affecting the rainfall conditions as the southwest monsoon is still moving out of the country.
The southern peninsula is also expected to remain active from a weather perspective. There is widespread rainfall over Kerala, Mahe and parts of Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal may also see isolated to scattered showers. Some places in these areas could be hit by heavy rainfall, so weather conditions need to be monitored to keep the commuters, residents and travellers informed.
The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in parts of South India. Winds could reach 40-50 kmph at some places and stronger gusts could reach 60 kmph. Such conditions can disrupt road traffic and outdoor activities for a time during heavy thunderstorms.
Karnataka is among the southern states that are expected to experience continued rainfall activity. Rain is predicted in different parts of the state and South Interior Karnataka and coastal areas are the areas to see rainfall. Bengaluru and other parts of the state have already experienced some rain in recent days and further rain might affect travel in the morning and evening depending on the local weather situation.
Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are also likely to see rain in some places and even heavy rain at some locations. Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds may accompany the showers. Residents should keep up with local weather updates in the case when travelling or engaging in outdoor activities during periods of thunderstorm activity.
Kerala and Mahe are also expected to remain in the midst of unsettled weather. Many places will receive rainfall and a few areas could get heavy showers. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also possible, creating the potential for short periods of intense weather.
Delhi is a very different situation. The IMD subdivision-wise warning for Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi for October 1 has no warning from the IMD, and weather reports indicated predominantly dry conditions in the national capital as the southwest monsoon continues to withdraw from more parts of the country.
The broader weather pattern reflects the transition from the southwest monsoon season to the post-monsoon period. The IMD has said that the monsoon season ended with rainfall 13% below the long-term average, and withdrawal continues from different parts of India. Rain still falls in southern and northeastern India despite the seasonal transition.
People living in the affected areas will not only be affected a lot in the case of thunderstorms, but also weather conditions can quickly change during thunderstorms. Heavy rain can lead to temporary waterlogging, poor visibility and difficult driving conditions, while lightning and strong winds can pose additional risks. People who travel to such areas should be aware of the latest IMD alerts and local advisories before travelling, especially when heavy rain or thunderstorms begin to develop.
As October begins on a relatively wet note in parts of South India and the northeastern part of the country, the weather contrast is expected to continue to be noticeable. Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and northeastern states might continue to experience rainfall, and Delhi and various other parts of northern and western India are expected to be relatively dry. The IMD's forecasts can change with changing weather systems, making updated advisories important for residents and travellers.
