Cyclone Montha Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an urgent alert as Cyclonic Storm “Montha” over the southwest and westcentral Bay of Bengal is expected to escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28, 2025, morning. The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, during the evening or night of October 28, with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.
Located at latitude 12.6°N and longitude 85.0°E, approximately 520 km east-southeast of Chennai and 570 km south-southeast of Kakinada, Montha is moving north-northwest at 18 kmph. The IMD reports gale winds of 70-80 kmph, expected to intensify to 90-100 kmph by October 28 morning.
Depression in Arabian Sea and Other Weather Systems
A depression over the eastcentral Arabian Sea, centered at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 66.9°E, approximately 700 km west-southwest of Mumbai, is moving north-northeast at 20 kmph. It will likely persist for the next 48 hours, bringing squally winds of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph.
An upper air cyclonic circulation over north Haryana and a trough from the Arabian Sea depression to West Madhya Pradesh will drive widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across India.
Heavy Rainfall and Storm Impacts Across India
South Peninsular India
Extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm) is expected in Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam from October 27-29, with very heavy rainfall in Kerala & Mahe, Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rayalaseema, and Telangana. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) may cause flash floods and coastal inundation.
East and Central India
South Odisha and Chhattisgarh face extremely heavy rainfall on October 28-29, with very heavy rainfall in Odisha, Vidarbha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim. Thundersqualls with winds up to 60-70 kmph in Chhattisgarh on October 28 may damage infrastructure and crops.
West India
Saurashtra & Kutch will experience extremely heavy rainfall on October 27, with very heavy rainfall in Gujarat Region, Konkan & Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra through October 31. Thunderstorms and gusty winds may cause minor structural damage and transport disruptions.
Northeast and Northwest India
Heavy rainfall is forecast for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya, and other northeastern states from October 30 to November 2, with very heavy rainfall in Assam & Meghalaya on October 31 and November 1. In Northwest India, East Rajasthan and East Uttar Pradesh may see heavy rainfall and thunderstorms through October 30.
Storm Surge and Sea Conditions
A storm surge of about 1 meter is expected to inundate low-lying areas of Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam during landfall. Very rough to high sea conditions are prevailing in the southwest and westcentral Bay of Bengal, escalating to very high from October 28 morning. Rough seas are also anticipated along the Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal coasts.
In the Arabian Sea, rough to very rough sea conditions will persist until October 27, with squally winds affecting Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra coasts.
Warnings and Safety Advisories
Fishermen and Coastal Communities
Fishermen are urged to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, or along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal until October 29 or 30. Those at sea should return immediately.
Expected Impacts
The IMD warns of major damage to thatched houses, power lines, and roads. Uprooting of trees, crop damage, and coastal flooding are likely in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Landslides, flash floods, and traffic disruptions are also expected.
Recommended Actions
Authorities should suspend fishing operations, relocate coastal residents to safer areas, and regulate offshore activities. Residents are advised to avoid waterlogged areas, secure appliances, and seek safe shelters away from trees during lightning. Traffic advisories and tourism restrictions are recommended.
Delhi/NCR Weather Outlook
Delhi/NCR will see partly cloudy skies transitioning to generally cloudy conditions on October 27, with very light rain or drizzle possible during the evening or night. Mist/haze and smog/shallow fog are expected from October 27-30, with temperatures ranging from 28-33°C (maximum) and 15-20°C (minimum). Winds will blow from the southeast or northeast at 5-20 kmph.
Agricultural and Livestock Advisories
Farmers should postpone harvesting during heavy rainfall and drain excess water from fields to protect crops like rice, groundnut, and cotton. Livestock should be sheltered, and feed stored securely. Fishery owners should install netting around ponds to prevent fish escapes during overflows.
Stay Informed
For real-time updates and detailed warnings, visit the IMD official website or check district-wise alerts at IMD District Warnings.
Source
This article is based on the press release issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences, India Meteorological Department on . For more details, visit mausam.imd.gov.in.