Heavy rain in south, cold wave in central India: IMD issues weather warnings for these states

India is set to experience a striking contrast of weather conditions this week, as the southern parts brace for spells of rain and thunderstorms, while the central and northern regions prepare for an early onset of cold wave conditions.

According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several states across peninsular and central India will see active weather patterns between November 13 and 18, including heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and coastal Andhra Pradesh, and a sharp drop in temperatures in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

Southern states to experience heavy rains and thunderstorms

As per IMD’s weekly forecast, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected at most or many places across Tamil Nadu on November 17, and 18.

Isolated heavy rainfall is also very likely over the state on these days, particularly in coastal districts and adjoining interior regions.The report also suggests that Kerala and Mahe are also expected to receive widespread rain, especially on November 13, with the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely over the state between November 13 and 14.Similarly, parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are expected to receive rainfall on November 17 and 18, marking an active phase of the northeast monsoon.

Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka, too, will see thunderstorms and lightning activity around November 17 and 18.The IMD has further predicted squally weather conditions over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining seas during this period. Wind speeds are likely to reach 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, along and off the Sri Lanka coast, the Gulf of Mannar, and the Comorin area between November 13 and 14.

However, no warnings have been issued for fishermen for the later part of the week, as sea conditions are expected to gradually improve.

Rainfall predictions for the next few days

From November 13 to 15, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity is expected over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the islands of the southern Bay of Bengal. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka, and South Interior Karnataka will see isolated to scattered rainfall.On November 13, isolated heavy rainfall is very likely over Kerala and Mahe, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Tamil Nadu may see scattered showers, while rainfall will be limited to isolated areas in coastal and interior Karnataka.By November 16, isolated thunderstorms with lightning are likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The following two days, November 17 and 18, will see a renewed spell of moderate to heavy rain in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, coinciding with thunderstorms over Karnataka.The IMD has urged residents and travelers in the region to remain alert during the active monsoon phase, especially in areas prone to poor drainage.

Cold wave and cold day conditions grip central India

While the southern states are drenched in rain, the central and eastern parts of India are likely to experience a dip in temperatures this week. Cold wave to severe cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places over West Madhya Pradesh and at a few places over Chhattisgarh, and these conditions are expected to continue over these regions till November 15.East Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh are also likely to witness cold wave conditions till November 15, as cold northerly winds begin to influence the region.

The IMD has also issued a warning for cold day conditions in isolated pockets over East Madhya Pradesh on November 13, which means both day and night temperatures are expected to remain significantly below normal.These conditions mark one of the earliest widespread cold wave spells of the season, as minimum temperatures in several areas of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already started to drop. The chill is expected to intensify through mid-November, particularly during the night and early morning hours.

Fog and temperature forecast for northeast India

The IMD has forecast shallow to moderate fog conditions over parts of Northeast India during the next five days. Minimum temperatures in the region are likely to fall by 2–3 degrees Celsius over the next four to five days, after which no major change is expected. This drop in temperature is typical for November, as the northeast gradually transitions toward winter.Despite the fall in temperatures, no cold wave warnings have been issued for the region.

The weather is expected to remain mostly dry and stable across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, with morning fog and mild cold expected to dominate the landscape.

Stable weather elsewhere

Over northwest, west, central, and east India, no major change in minimum temperatures is likely during the next six to seven days apart from the isolated cold wave pockets mentioned above. Most plains and interior regions are expected to witness clear skies and cool mornings, making it a comfortable week for residents.The absence of any active western disturbance means that North India, including Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, will continue to experience dry weather with moderate temperatures during the daytime and slightly chilly nights.With the country split between the lingering northeast monsoon in the south and an advancing winter in the north and center; from heavy showers over Tamil Nadu’s coast to chilly nights in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the week ahead will demand umbrellas in some regions and woollens in others.