IMD weather forecast: Rain, thunderstorms and 60 kmph winds expected across 18 states

The India Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph across 18 states over the coming days, as changing weather systems bring a mix of wet conditions and isolated heatwaves to different parts of the country.

High winds and rain in the north and south

In Delhi, partly cloudy skies and strong surface winds reaching up to 50 kmph are expected over the next few days. Meteorologists attributed the shift in the capital's weather to a western disturbance interacting with a cyclonic circulation over neighbouring northern states.

Across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the weather office has predicted fairly widespread to widespread rainfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning. Himachal Pradesh is expected to see scattered rainfall on 13 and 14 October, while parts of East and West Rajasthan and Uttarakhand will receive scattered showers through 12 to 14 October. Uttarakhand could also experience wind gusts between 30 and 50 kmph.

Southern states face stronger squalls. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Lakshadweep are likely to see gusty winds between 40 kmph and 50 kmph, peaking at 60 kmph alongside thunderstorms and lightning. South interior Karnataka and coastal areas are set for scattered rainfall, with isolated heavy downpours recorded in southern districts.

Heatwave alert for coastal Maharashtra

While wet weather covers much of the country, the meteorological centre issued a heatwave warning for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Maharashtra’s coastal Konkan belt for 12 October.

Isolated places in south Konkan districts are expected to experience heatwave conditions, while hot and humid weather will persist across north Konkan. The weather office noted that green warnings are set to return across Maharashtra after 12 October, signalling a return to normal conditions without severe risks.

Rain predicted for Durga Puja in West Bengal

In West Bengal, rain could disrupt the opening days of the Durga Puja festival. The forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall across parts of south Bengal, including Kolkata, between 15 and 17 October. Shashthi, the first day of the celebrations, falls on 17 October.

Light rain or thundershowers may persist at isolated spots on Saptami and Ashtami on 18 and 19 October. However, festivalgoers can expect drier weather for the final days, with mainly clear conditions forecast for Navami and Dashami on 20 and 21 October.

Monsoon withdrawal continues

In eastern India, the southwest monsoon is continuing its retreat. The meteorological department expects the monsoon to completely withdraw from Jharkhand over the next four days. It has already pulled back from several central and northwestern districts, including Ranchi, Garhwa, Chatra, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh and Koderma. Overall, Jharkhand recorded a minor rainfall deficit of 2 per cent for the season.

In the north-east, rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura between 12 and 14 October.