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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of red, orange, and yellow alerts across states including Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Goa. The weather pattern is influenced by a cyclonic circulation developing over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast, which is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area.

A mix of intense low-pressure systems, thunderstorms, and gusty winds has led authorities to warn residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution in the days ahead.

Red Alert In Maharashtra's Raigad, Ratnagiri; Mumbai On Orange Alert

The IMD has placed parts of Maharashtra under red and orange alerts, citing forecasts of extremely heavy to very heavy rain from May 22 to 24. Raigad and Ratnagiri districts are under red alert, while Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Sindhudurg, and the ghat areas of Pune and Satara are under an orange alert on May 23.

An IMD official explained that this weather pattern stems from a developing low-pressure system over the east-central Arabian Sea, just off the south Konkan-Goa coast. “Therefore, the entire Konkan coast has been placed under orange alert, while a red alert has been sounded for Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. During this period, wind speeds will range between 30-40 kmph and may reach up to 60 kmph at some isolated locations,” said Shubhangi Bhute of the Regional Meteorological Centre.

Heavy downpours brought temporary relief from the scorching summer heat in parts of south Mumbai on Thursday evening. However, the IMD has urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea along the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts due to weather conditions.

IMD, in its forecast for Mumbai for today, said that the city is likely to experience 'generally cloudy sky with heavy rain'. Visuals from the city showed the sky turning grey with light showers.

Goa Urges Caution Amid Rising Rainfall

Goa has already witnessed two straight days of unrelenting rain, prompting the state government to shut access to popular tourist spots like the Dudhsagar waterfall. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane appealed to citizens and tourists alike. "In light of the extreme weather, we urge all residents and visitors to prioritise their safety," he said.

"The gates of Dudhsagar waterfall will remain closed to visitors. Please avoid venturing into other waterfalls as well, as they may pose significant risks due to strong currents, flash floods and slippery terrain," he warned.

The IMD has forecast heavy rain in the coastal state till May 26. The weather department has said the rainfall activity will increase between May 21 and May 26, with “heavy to very heavy” rainfall at a few places.

"Extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places is also likely over Goa on May 21. Isolated to scattered light/moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph is expected over Goa during May 21-23,” the IMD said.

In Kerala, the IMD has rolled out orange alerts for several districts through May 26, predicting very heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph are also expected, especially in central and northern parts of the state.

Heavy Rains To Continue In Kerala

An orange alert was sounded in various districts of Kerala as heavy rains continued to lash the state. The IMD issued an orange alert in Kannur and Kasaragod districts from May 24 to May 26, in Kozhikode and Wayanad for May 25 and 26 and Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram on May 26.

A yellow alert in 12 districts of Kerala for May 23, nine districts on May 24, 10 on May 25 and 7 on May 26.

West Bengal To Get Heavy Rainfall From May 28

West Bengal is expected to see the effects of a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal from May 28. Districts like Paschim Medinipur, Birbhum, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri are likely to face thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy showers.

"Under its influence light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall is likely to commence on May 28 over coastal areas of West Bengal," the IMD stated, forecasting significant moisture incursion and storm activity across the region in the days ahead.

A low-pressure area is likely to form over west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27, which will cause light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall from May 28 over coastal areas of West Bengal.

The IMD said that thunderstorms with gusty wind and heavy rainfall are likely to occur at one or two places over Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and North Dinajpur districts.

Gujarat To Receive Heavy Useasonal Rains From May 23-25

Gujarat is also on alert with the IMD warning of unseasonal, pre-monsoon downpours  in the coming days. “Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region during the next 12 hours. Thereafter, it is likely to move nearly northwards and intensify further into a depression,” said AK Das, head of the Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad.

The IMD has predicted "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in southern and Saurashtra regions between May 23 and 25. Fishermen in south Gujarat have been advised to stay ashore after May 22.

"Pre-monsoon heavy rains accompanied with thunderstorms, lightning and winds gusting up to 50 km would lash parts of Gujarat on May 23, 24 and 25 due to upcoming weather events," Das further informed.

Moreover, the met office said that light to moderate showers would lash several districts of Gujarat between May 22 and 28. 

(With inputs from news agency PTI.)