The India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for several southern and western states – including Kerala and Karnataka — which are set to welcome the southwest monsoon. A red alert has also been sounded for Goa, forecasting heavy downpours until Sunday. Heavy showers lashed parts of the coastal state in the past 24 hours.

The weatherman, in its forecast, also predicted heavy rainfall for three days – from  May 25 to 27. The weather is expected to turn cloudy from Saturday, with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms continuing until Monday.

Karnataka, Kerala on red alert

The southern states are expected to witness the onset of the southwest monsoon simultaneously, driven by a well-marked low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea that is rapidly intensifying into a depression.

According to the IMD, rainfall – which had briefly subsided over the past 48 hours – is likely to resume across the state from the weekend.

IMD-Bengaluru director N Puviyarasan, speaking with TOI, stated that the conditions over Kerala are conducive to declaring the arrival of the southwest monsoon. “Despite widespread rain over the past two days, Kerala is yet to announce the onset of monsoon. We have issued a ‘red’ (extremely heavy rainfall) alert for coastal Karnataka and an ‘orange’ (very heavy rainfall) alert for parts of south and north interior Karnataka,” he said.

He added, “If rainfall prevails in the state for 48 hours, we may announce the onset of monsoon simultaneously with Kerala.” IMD officials noted that it is uncommon for both Kerala and Karnataka to experience the monsoon onset at the same time.

Bengaluru is likely to receive scattered showers over the next five days, the IMD said.

Meanwhile, the IMD has declared a red alert in Kerala for the following districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Idukki, and Malappuram.

Heavy rainfall warning for Goa

The weather department has issued a red alert, indicating heavy to very heavy showers until Sunday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, as squally weather with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected along and off the Goa and Konkan coast.

Mumbai weather update

Mumbai experienced a partly cloudy day on 23 May, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 33°C. Similar conditions are expected on 24 May, with partly cloudy skies and chances of moderate rain or thunderstorms, according to the India Meteorological Department.

A significant shift in weather is forecast from Saturday, 25 May, through Monday, 27 May, with heavy rainfall predicted under generally cloudy skies. Temperatures during this period will range from 24°C to 32°C. The IMD has issued an alert, urging residents to brace for potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

Rainfall is expected to ease slightly starting Tuesday, 28 May, though the city will continue to witness partly cloudy skies and occasional showers or thunderstorms through to Wednesday, 29 May. Citizens are advised to stay updated on weather warnings and take necessary precautions during the forecasted period of heavy rain.