IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Rain Alerts for Andhra Pradesh as Two Systems Approach

Weather Alerts

The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore and Tirupati districts, where moderate thunderstorms with lightning, winds of 40 to 50 kmph, and moderate rain are expected at one or two places. The alert specifically names the Rapur, Gudur, and Mopuru areas, with rain expected at rates of 5 to 15 mm an hour. A separate yellow alert covers Chittoor, Annamayya, and YSR Kadapa districts for light thunderstorms, winds of 30 to 40 kmph, and light rain.

Two Weather Systems

The meteorological agency is tracking two weather systems in the region. An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast is expected to form a low-pressure area, while a second system over the Gulf of Thailand is set to emerge into the north Andaman Sea and move west-northwestwards to form another low-pressure area over the southeast and east-central Bay around October 23. Heavy rain is specifically forecast at isolated places in Nellore and Tirupati on Thursday.

Monsoon Deficit

The northeast monsoon remains weak across the region. Andhra Pradesh received 43.9 mm of rain from October 1 to 20 against a normal of 107.7 mm, marking a deficit of 59%. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam faced a 70% shortfall, while Rayalaseema saw 41%. Kurnool recorded the steepest district deficit at 99%, while Annamayya and Chittoor recorded surpluses of 17% and 19% respectively.

Context

Weather forecasts in coastal regions frequently shift during transitional months as multiple atmospheric disturbances interact over the Bay of Bengal. Meteorological departments issue graded alerts such as orange and yellow warnings to help local populations prepare for varying degrees of severe weather and potential disruptions.