Cyclone Arnab is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Telangana on October 28, 2026. In its updated forecast issued on October 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) identified four districts at risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall and four others where heavy rain is likely.
Orange Alert for Four Telangana Districts on October 28
Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam and Mahabubabad are under an orange alert for isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. The warning covers the period from 8:30 am on October 28 to 8:30 am on October 29. Under IMD rainfall definitions, heavy rain means 64.5 to 115.5 mm in 24 hours, while very heavy rain means 115.6 to 204.4 mm. Localised downpours could cause waterlogging, slippery roads and disruption to travel, particularly in low-lying areas.
Yellow Alert in Four More Districts
Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Suryapet, Warangal and Hanamkonda have been identified for isolated heavy rainfall. The IMD also expects thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 50 to 60 kmph in these four districts and in the four orange-alert districts. Elsewhere in Telangana, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph are possible. The warnings describe forecast conditions, not rainfall already recorded.
Cyclone Arnab Moves Towards Andhra Pradesh Coast
The Bay of Bengal cyclone formed on October 26 and is forecast to intensify as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast. The IMD expects a possible crossing between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the morning of October 28. Sustained coastal winds could reach 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph. Those coastal wind figures are a landfall forecast and should not be confused with the lower wind speeds predicted for Telangana.
Rainfall Outlook and Safety Advisory
For Telangana, the IMD forecasts light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places on October 28, with the heaviest spells concentrated in eastern districts. Rain and thunderstorms may begin at a few places on October 27, while some showers could continue on October 29. Residents should avoid flooded roads and sheltering under trees during lightning, secure loose outdoor items and follow updated district notices. Cyclone tracks and rain alerts can change as the storm approaches land.
