The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide alert for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds starting from October 31, 2025, in a bulletin released on October 30 at 20:04 IST.
According to the IMD’s forecast, eastern and northeastern India will see “heavy to very heavy rainfall”, with isolated pockets experiencing “extremely heavy” downpours. The affected states include the sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal and Sikkim, parts of Bihar, and Jharkhand.
In addition, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 km/h are expected over Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.
The forecast extends beyond the east: the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are anticipated to receive heavy rainfall on October 31 and November 1 due to moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal. Ferry and aviation services could face disruptions.
Further west, central and western India are not out of the storm’s reach. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region are expected to experience thunderstorms, while Gujarat and the north Konkan coast may see squally weather with wind gusts reaching up to 55-65 km/h in offshore areas.
Looking ahead, the IMD predicts the active spell will persist into early November. From November 2-5, parts of eastern and southern India may receive scattered rainfall, and a Western Disturbance could usher in the first spell of winter rain or snow in the northwest Himalayan region.
Fishermen have been specifically advised to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters from October 31 to November 3 due to rough seas and squally conditions.
