IMD Issues State-Wise Weather Warnings as Monsoon Withdraws Unevenly: Odisha, Peninsula Remain on High Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh round of state-wise weather warnings as the 2025 southwest monsoon withdraws unevenly across the country. While northwest and central India are seeing drying conditions, eastern and coastal belts remain under heavy rain and thunderstorm alerts.

According to the IMD’s latest subdivision advisories, Odisha and parts of the peninsular region will continue to see volatile weather, with a new low-pressure system likely to form over the Bay of Bengal around September 25.

The Science of Withdrawal

Withdrawal line: The “withdrawal line” defines where monsoon winds have ceased. As of this week, it has moved across Rajasthan, Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Patchiness: Unlike onset, withdrawal tends to be irregular and uneven, influenced by late-season circulations in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Why it matters: The timing and geography of retreat affect kharif crop maturity, dam inflows, and post-monsoon sowing cycles.

Odisha: The Current Hotspot

Odisha faces red and orange alerts over the next 3–4 days:

Heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal and interior districts.
Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds.
Squall-like surface winds raising risk of power disruption and treefall.

Authorities have asked district administrations to remain on flood-watch, especially in low-lying and riverine areas.

Peninsula Under Caution

Segments of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are also under watch for:

Scattered heavy spells.
Localized flooding in urban centers.
Short-term crop lodging risks for late-stage paddy and maize.

Hydrology and Dam Levels

Reservoir monitoring: Water resources departments are tracking dam inflows, particularly in Mahanadi basin (Odisha) and Krishna-Godavari basins (Telangana/Andhra).
Urban drainage: Local bodies in Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, and Chennai have issued commuter advisories on possible traffic snarls.

City-Level Advisories

Bhubaneswar & Cuttack: Drainage vigilance, avoid underpasses.
Hyderabad: Commuters urged to plan around peak-hour showers.
Chennai: Fishermen cautioned against venturing into choppy seas.
Delhi & Jaipur: Clear skies expected; no immediate warnings.

Agriculture Implications

Positive: Late rains may aid soil moisture recharge for rabi sowing in eastern belts.
Negative: Lodging risks to mature crops, delayed harvests, and pest pressure.
Advisory: Farmers advised to drain excess water promptly and store harvested produce under cover.

IMD’s Forecast Framework

The IMD expects:

Withdrawal line to move steadily north-eastward through the week.
Fresh systems from Bay of Bengal to dictate short-term volatility.
Gradual stabilization by early October, consistent with long-period averages.

Expert Commentary

Climate Scientist: “Monsoon withdrawal is no longer linear—late-season systems create high-impact rain even as retreat proceeds.”
Disaster Management Official (Odisha): “We are preparing as if this is still peak monsoon.”
Agricultural Economist: “Rabi prospects depend on how much soil moisture these last spells leave behind.”

Broader Climate Signals

India’s uneven withdrawal reflects a broader pattern of climate variability:

Delayed or patchy exits have become more frequent.
Extreme rainfall events during withdrawal are rising.
Urban vulnerability is acute due to poor drainage capacity.

What Citizens Should Do

Track IMD’s daily bulletins for city-wise alerts.
Avoid waterlogged roads and underpasses.
Farmers: monitor advisories from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
Urban households: secure outdoor items, ensure proper drainage clearance.

Conclusion: Between Retreat and Resilience

The uneven withdrawal of the 2025 monsoon is both a meteorological event and a governance challenge. With Odisha bracing for intense spells, and the peninsula facing scattered risks, IMD’s granular alerts will be key to minimizing disruption.

Even as withdrawal lines advance, India’s ability to balance hydrology, urban safety, and agricultural timing will determine whether these late-season rains are a blessing or a burden.

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