The India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Amaravati has sounded an orange alert for South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and several districts within the Rayalaseema region. Residents should prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall anticipated on October 23rd and 24th, a direct consequence of a developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
Fortunately, Deepavali festivities across the state are unlikely to be dampened by severe weather. IMD-Amaravati Director S. Stella confirmed that no heavy rain warnings are in place for October 19th, 20th, and 21st, with only light to moderate showers expected in scattered locations during these days.
According to the IMD’s bulletin released on October 18, 2025 (Saturday), an upper-air cyclonic circulation was observed over the South Andaman Sea and the southeast Bay of Bengal, extending up to 1.5 kilometers above mean sea level. This atmospheric condition is the precursor to the impending weather system.
Under the influence of this circulation, a low-pressure area is projected to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around October 21st. Forecasters indicate it will likely track west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression over the central parts of the South and Westcentral Bay of Bengal within the subsequent 48 hours.
Beginning October 22nd, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in districts such as Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor. The situation escalates on October 23rd and 24th, with heavy rains predicted across all of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Specific districts like Guntur, Bapatla, Prakasam, SPSR Nellore, Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati, and Chittoor should brace for particularly intense, very heavy downpours.
Accompanying the heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds, reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, are also expected throughout the state. Interestingly, the northern districts of Andhra Pradesh currently have no such severe weather warnings.
This marks the first significant low-pressure system to develop over the Bay of Bengal since the Northeast Monsoon officially commenced its arrival in the state on October 16th, highlighting the onset of the monsoon’s active phase.