October 24, 2025 | Bengaluru, Karnataka
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an urgent Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across Coastal Karnataka, warning of thunderstorms, intense downpours, and gusty winds that could disrupt daily life through October 25. The alert, effective immediately from October 24, covers key districts including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, where rainfall rates could exceed 115.6 mm in a single day, raising fears of flash floods and localized waterlogging.
Issued from IMD's Bengaluru office, the color-coded warning—indicating "be prepared"—signals a high-impact weather event driven by a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea and a low-pressure trough extending from the Bay of Bengal. "Very heavy rainfall is very likely over Coastal Karnataka on October 24 and 25, accompanied by thunderstorms and winds gusting up to 40-50 kmph, with isolated spots seeing squalls reaching 55 kmph," stated an IMD bulletin released early Friday morning. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, particularly along the Karnataka-Kerala coast, due to rough conditions.
The forecast extends beyond Karnataka's shores, with similar Orange Alerts for Kerala, Mahe, and parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, where the system is expected to intensify over the weekend. In tandem, a Yellow Alert—calling for "be aware"—has been hoisted across 27 interior districts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru, and Tumakuru, anticipating moderate to heavy showers that could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas.
Authorities are on high alert as the rains could exacerbate vulnerabilities in the monsoon-soaked region. "Flash flood risks are elevated in coastal and southern districts; residents in vulnerable areas should monitor local advisories and avoid travel during peak hours," warned Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who chaired an emergency coordination meeting in Bengaluru. The state disaster management authority has prepositioned relief teams, sandbags, and pumping equipment in high-risk zones, while the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) is tracking real-time radar data for early warnings.
Educational institutions face uncertainty, with no statewide school or college holiday declared for October 24 yet, though local administrations in Udupi and Mangaluru have the discretion to close based on ground conditions. Parents and commuters are urged to check district collectorate updates, as heavy rains have already led to waterlogging on key routes like NH-66 along the coast. Transportation departments report potential delays for trains and flights, with Mangaluru International Airport monitoring crosswinds.
This bout of intense weather follows a pattern of erratic monsoons in South India, with IMD attributing the deluge to lingering southwest monsoon influences and warming sea surface temperatures. Climate experts note that such events are becoming more frequent, underscoring the need for resilient infrastructure. As dark clouds gather over the Konkan coast, residents are stocking essentials and heeding IMD's call: stay indoors during thunderstorms and report any flood-prone blockages promptly.
Updates from IMD's daily weather briefing emphasize vigilance through the weekend, with the system potentially evolving into a depression by October 26. For the latest, tune into local broadcasts or visit mausam.imd.gov.in. Karnataka's coastal communities, no strangers to nature's fury, brace for what could be a soggy close to the month—hoping the rains nourish rather than overwhelm.
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