Weather alert: stay cautious! unsettled weather to continue for the next 6 days, heavy rain and winds gusting up to 60 km/h expected

Weather Update, October 18, 2026: Several states across southern India are likely to experience continued rainfall between October 18 and 23, 2026. According to the weather department's forecast, widespread rain is expected in parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and neighbouring regions. Some areas may also receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.

The forecast indicates that weather conditions could remain unsettled for the next six days, with wind gusts reaching 60 km/h in certain areas. Farmers and residents in the affected regions are advised to remain cautious, particularly during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.

Which States Are Likely to Receive Rainfall?

1. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, rainfall is expected at many places across Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Mahe, Lakshadweep, South Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from October 18 to 23, 2026.
2. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema may also experience rainfall on October 18.
3. Weather conditions are expected to remain active in North Interior Karnataka and Telangana over the coming days, with rain likely in parts of these regions between October 18 and 23.
4. Meanwhile, rainfall activity is forecast to continue across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema from October 19 through October 23.

Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Expected in Tamil Nadu and Nearby Regions:

1. Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience intermittent spells of rainfall during the forecast period. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations on October 18 and 19, as well as from October 21 to 23.
2. The weather department has also warned of very heavy rainfall at isolated places on October 20, making it an important day for residents and farmers to monitor weather updates.
3. Kerala, Mahe and South Interior Karnataka may receive heavy rainfall at isolated locations throughout October 18–23.
4. Lakshadweep is likely to experience heavy rainfall between October 20 and 23, while Coastal Karnataka may witness similar conditions from October 20 to 22.
5. Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema on October 18.
6. The forecast additionally identifies October 17 and October 20 as dates with the possibility of very heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.

State-Wise Heavy Rainfall Forecast:

Thunderstorms, Lightning and Strong Winds Expected Across Southern India:

1. Apart from rainfall, several parts of southern India may experience thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during the coming days.
2. On October 18, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema could experience winds of 40–50 km/h, with gusts reaching 60 km/h. These conditions may create difficulties for outdoor activities, particularly in open agricultural fields.
3. North Interior Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka are likely to experience winds of 30–40 km/h, gusting up to 50 km/h, between October 18 and 21.
4. Strong winds are also expected across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema from October 19 to 21, while Telangana may experience gusty weather between October 18 and 22.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Forecast:

1. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal throughout October 18–23.
2. Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep may experience thunderstorms and lightning between October 18 and 21. Similar conditions are forecast for Coastal Karnataka during the same period.
3. Residents should remain alert during thunderstorms, particularly in areas where heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected together.

Important Weather Advice for Farmers and Residents:

1. With heavy rainfall and gusty winds expected across several southern states, farmers should take precautionary measures to protect crops and agricultural produce.
2. Farmers with crops ready for harvesting should make arrangements to keep harvested produce, grains and other agricultural materials in safe, covered locations. In areas where heavy rainfall is forecast, attention should also be given to proper drainage to reduce the risk of waterlogging in fields.
3. Outdoor agricultural activities should be avoided during thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Farmers and agricultural workers should not remain in open fields when lightning activity is occurring.
4. Residents should also avoid taking shelter under trees or standing near electricity poles during thunderstorms, as these locations can be dangerous during lightning and severe weather.
5. Since weather conditions can change rapidly, farmers and the general public should regularly follow the latest IMD warnings and instructions issued by local authorities.

(FAQs):

1. Which southern states are likely to receive rainfall?

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana are among the regions that may experience rainfall.

2. When is heavy rainfall expected in Tamil Nadu?

Heavy rainfall is possible on October 18–19 and October 21–23, with very heavy rainfall possible at isolated places on October 20.

3. Will Kerala receive heavy rainfall?

Yes, isolated heavy rainfall is forecast in Kerala and Mahe between October 18 and 23.

4. How strong could the winds become?

Wind gusts may reach 60 km/h in parts of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema on October 18.

5. What precautions should farmers take?

Farmers should protect harvested crops, maintain field drainage and avoid working in open fields during lightning and strong winds. Follow local weather warnings for updated guidance.