IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms in South and East India
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms in South and East India
IN · Published Sep 22, 2026
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for several regions in South and East India on 21 September
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to persist through 22 September. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is driving moisture into Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and southern Odisha, leading to heavy to very heavy rainfall in these areas. Tamil Nadu districts such as Madurai, Sivaganga, Pudukottai, and Thanjavur are under orange alert, while Kerala and Karnataka are experiencing widespread rain with varying intensities. Southern Odisha districts, including Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur, are expected to face heightened risks starting 22 September.

Impact & Risks

The heavy rainfall and thunderstorms may disrupt daily life, particularly in districts under orange alerts. Students and parents commuting to exam centres in affected areas should anticipate traffic delays and potential flooding. Kerala's Idukki and Kottayam districts, already saturated from earlier rains, remain vulnerable to landslides. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha districts face risks of very heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash floods and waterlogging. Commuters in urban areas should avoid underpasses and low-lying roads during intense rain spells.

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