Cyclone Montha to Bring Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds to Chhattisgarh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued serious warnings for residents, particularly in southern districts, as the cyclonic storm approaches the east coast.

The depression over the Bay of Bengal has rapidly intensified into Cyclone Montha and is expected to become a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28, 2025. The system is forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada on the evening or night of October 28, but its impact will extend significantly into Chhattisgarh's southern and central regions.

According to IMD forecasts, October 28 poses the highest risk for Chhattisgarh, with extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 21 cm expected at isolated places across the state. Southern Chhattisgarh districts face the most severe threat, with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted at multiple locations on both October 28 and 29. The capital city Raipur has already begun experiencing light drizzle as the cyclone's outer bands reach the region.

Wind speeds present another significant concern for residents and authorities. On October 28, southern Chhattisgarh can expect thundersquall winds reaching 60-70 km per hour, with gusts potentially touching 80 km per hour. These intense wind conditions will persist into October 29, though speeds are expected to moderate slightly to 50-60 km per hour across central and southern parts of the state.

The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 km per hour on October 28 and 29. Flight operations have already been affected, with services to Visakhapatnam cancelled due to the cyclonic system.

Authorities have advised farmers and citizens to remain alert and take necessary precautions during this period. The Bastar region is particularly vulnerable, with predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall at different locations. The IMD has extended its alert through October 30, with rainfall activity expected to gradually decrease after the cyclone makes landfall and weakens over land.​

This weather event comes as an unusual October phenomenon, as the post-monsoon season typically brings drier conditions to the region. The cyclone, named Montha by Thailand meaning "beautiful flower," represents the first major storm system of this season to significantly impact central Indian states.