Several states in southern and western India are on high alert as intense pre-monsoon showers disrupt normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, warning of extremely heavy rainfall across various regions. An orange alert has also been sounded for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 40–50 kmph, is expected over Kerala and the Mahe region on May 27. Isolated areas in the state may also experience extremely heavy rainfall. The weather department has forecast continued heavy downpours in the region from May 28 to June 1.
In Karnataka, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated across the coastal and southern interior regions on May 27. Isolated places may see extremely heavy showers, with the intensity expected to persist through the end of the month. Northern parts of the state will also face heavy rainfall until May 30.
Mumbai witnessed a significant weather event on May 26, as the southwest monsoon made its arrival 16 days earlier than usual — the earliest onset in nearly two decades. The city experienced torrential rainfall, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
In Kerala, the heavy rains have already taken a toll. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, four people have lost their lives due to weather-related incidents. At least 29 homes were completely destroyed, and 868 houses have suffered partial damage. Relief operations are underway, with multiple camps set up in Wayanad, Idukki, and Kozhikode districts to shelter those displaced by the flooding. Waterlogged roads, uprooted trees, and overflowing rivers have caused widespread disruption across the state.
The IMD also predicts heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in Tamil Nadu until May 31. Meanwhile, the Konkan coast and the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall on May 27.
Amid worsening conditions, authorities have issued advisories for fishermen, warning them against venturing into the sea along the western and eastern coasts. Fishing activities have been suspended in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and the Lakshadweep islands as rough sea conditions and strong winds pose significant danger.
With the monsoon intensifying, emergency services and local administrations remain on high alert to mitigate the impact and ensure the safety of residents.
