The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a state of high alert for Chennai and adjacent districts as it forecasts that the growing low-pressure region in the Bay of Bengal might become a very powerful cyclone with the name of ‘Montha’ by the end of October 28. The cyclone, along with its associated flooding and wind gusts as high as 150km/h, will mainly affect the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.

🌀 Cyclone ‘Montha’: The Latest Information

The IMD reports that the cyclone is being formed in the southeast of the Bay of Bengal and is increasing its attributed strength. It lies now about 460 km from Port Blair to the west-southwest, 950 km to the east-southeast of Chennai, 960 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, and 1030 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha).

The weather model predicts the system to develop into a deep depression on October 26, a Turn into a cyclonic storm on October 27, and continue developing as a severe cyclonic storm ousting over the southwest BOB and the adjoining west-central part by October 28.

The IMD trajectory indicates that the cyclone will take the north-northwest direction and land between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam (near Kakinada) on the night of October 28 or the next morning with the speed of 90–100 kmph and strong gusts reaching 110 kmph.

🌧️ Heavy Rain and Storm Warnings for Tamil Nadu

The IMD has given an orange alert to Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet and has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall for October 27. The rain, thunder and lightening that would accompany the eventual visit of the cyclone, is expected to turn very severe in coastal Tamil Nadu.

Chennai city and its satellite towns will mostly see light to moderate rain with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms starting Saturday, the intensity will gradually increase over the weekend.

The cyclone name ‘Montha’, proposed by Thailand, means “beautiful flowers”.

⚠️ Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on Alert

The IMD has also put coastal Odisha and Andhra Pradesh under alerts.

Odisha: The IMD has issued an orange alert for ten districts—Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri—for October 28, with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted.

On October 29, another orange alert applies to Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, while ten other districts are under the yellow alert.

Andhra Pradesh: Heavy rainfall with strong winds is anticipated in the coastal areas including Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and Krishna districts, beginning from the evening of October 27.

🌩️ Impact on Karnataka

The cyclone is also likely to have an impact on Karnataka’s weather, especially in Bengaluru and the surrounding areas where the meteorological department expects gusty winds along with moderate to heavy rain within the next 24 hours.

The IMD has warned of similar weather patterns across South India and placed Bengaluru on yellow alert until October 26.

🧭 Cyclone ‘Montha’ Summary

Cyclone Name: Montha (proposed by Thailand; means “beautiful flowers”)

Formation Date: October 27, 2025

Landfall: Between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam (Andhra Coast) – October 28 night

Wind Speed: 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph

Alerts:

Orange: Northern Tamil Nadu districts, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha

Yellow: The region around Bengaluru and other neighboring areas