Weather Today Live Updates: Depression over Bay of Bengal to intensify, set to hit Bengal–Bangladesh coast by afternoon

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for eight districts in Kerala, including Kochi (Ernakulam), Kozhikode, and Wayanad, due to heavy monsoon rains causing widespread damage. The alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours. The IMD has also forecasted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and strong winds reaching speeds of 40-60 km/h in various regions. Rising water levels have been reported in rivers such as Manimala and Achankovil in Pathanamthitta, Meenachil in Kottayam, Korapuzha in Kozhikode, and Kabani in Wayanad. Residents along these riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant. The monsoon season commenced on May 24, arriving eight days earlier than expected.

A well-marked low-pressure area over the Northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast has concentrated into a depression. It lay centred at 0530 hours IST on 29th May 2025 over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts near latitude 20.8°N and longitude 88.4°E—about 100 km south-southeast of Sagar Island, 130 km southeast of Digha, 190 km east-northeast of Paradip, and 210 km west-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh). The system is likely to move nearly northwards, intensify into a deep depression, and cross the West Bengal–Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara by the afternoon of 29th May 2025.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 29°C on Thursday, 2.4°C above the seasonal average. The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with rain for Thursday and Friday. Humidity levels were at 63% in the morning, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 39°C. Despite the heat and humidity, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category with an AQI of 143, as per CPCB data. The IMD has advised residents to stay cautious amid changing weather conditions and rising discomfort levels due to the high humidity and heat index.

A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression by Thursday morning, moving toward the Bengal and Odisha coasts. The Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, has upgraded the rain alert to very heavy, predicting 70 to 200 mm rainfall in Kolkata and surrounding districts like North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Hooghly. The system will bring heavy rain, squalls, and potential flooding, especially in low-lying areas, from Thursday afternoon through Friday, with light rain expected until Saturday. Northern Bengal is likely to experience more intense rainfall. Temperatures in Kolkata have already dropped below normal due to pre-rain showers.

Kerala has been lashed by intense monsoon rains prompting red alerts across several districts. Landslides and severe waterlogging led to school closures in six districts. Avalanche and nearby areas recorded extremely high rainfall. Authorities have warned residents in vulnerable zones and activated disaster management plans. Emergency teams are on standby, and efforts are ongoing to clear roads and restore power in affected areas. The IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall over the next few days, heightening alert levels.

Telangana witnessed significant rainfall, with Utkur in Narayanpet district receiving 81.8 mm. Other areas like Gadwal, Alwalpad, and Vikarabad also saw heavy showers. The IMD issued a warning for continued rainfall with gusty winds and thunderstorms. Hyderabad’s Old Mumbai Highway was inundated due to clogged flood canals. HYDRAA officials ordered desilting and clearing operations. Citizens are advised to avoid low-lying areas and stay alert for lightning and storm-related advisories over the next 48 hours.

The Nilgiris district saw widespread damage from heavy rain. Landslides, tree falls, and road blockages disrupted daily life. Avalanche recorded 142 mm rainfall; Kundha and Naduvattam were heavily affected. A mud house collapsed in Manjanakorai, and several areas faced power cuts. Ooty-Gudalur highway was blocked by unstable boulders. Tourist spots remain closed, and NDRF teams are active in high-risk zones. With rainfall predicted till May 30, authorities are monitoring and enforcing restricted access to danger zones.

Gujarat has seen one of its wettest Mays on record. The Saurashtra-Kutch region received 1,678% more rain than normal, while the rest of Gujarat saw a 1,115% increase. According to the IMD, until May 27, Amreli recorded 117 mm of rainfall, followed by 104 mm in Valsad, 102 mm in Dangs, 98 mm in Bharuch, and 96 mm in Junagadh.

A 60-year-old man with chronic kidney disease died at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital after being referred from ESIC Hospital. He tested positive for COVID-19 just before his death, but officials say the virus was not the direct cause. The patient had diabetes, hypertension, and was undergoing dialysis. Public health officials noted the death as incidental, with COVID found during treatment for acute gastroenteritis and dehydration. The state continues to see sporadic cases with most recovering without major treatment.

Maharashtra's COVID-19 toll reached seven this May, with the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation reporting the death of a 67-year-old stroke survivor. He tested positive on May 24 and died due to complications linked to comorbidities. Another death involved a 47-year-old patient with typhoid. Despite these cases, the BMC reported no new fatalities in Mumbai. Navi Mumbai confirmed four new cases, bringing its total to 19. State health officials stress these deaths are isolated and not alarming in a state with a large population.