Hyderabad, 16 October (H.S.): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the coming days under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas.

According to the IMD's weather bulletin issued on Friday, strong winds of 30-50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph, are likely at isolated places across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema and Telangana from October 16 to 20.

The weather department has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema on October 16. Wind speeds are expected to rise to 40-50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph, on October 17 and 18. Strong surface winds are also likely in these regions during the period.

The IMD said an upper-air cyclonic circulation was prevailing over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring areas in the lower tropospheric levels, with a trough extending from the system towards the northwest Bay of Bengal. Telangana is likely to receive isolated to scattered rainfall from October 16 to 22, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds may occur at isolated places until October 20.

The department warned that heavy rain and strong winds could cause waterlogging in low-lying areas, damage standing crops and vulnerable structures, and disrupt road and rail traffic. The wet spell over South Peninsular India is expected to continue until October 22.

In the 24 hours preceding the bulletin, very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm was recorded in parts of Tamil Nadu and Coastal Karnataka, while heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm was reported in Chhattisgarh, Kerala and South Karnataka, the IMD said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar