A severe cyclonic storm, Murasu, is advancing towards the south Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue extensive weather warnings across several states. With wind speeds expected to reach 110 kmph and gusts touching 120 kmph, the cyclone is likely to make landfall between Nellore and Narsapur around midnight, raising concerns over heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible disruptions in coastal regions. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR is also experiencing deteriorating air quality, with pollution levels entering the very poor category, adding to the weather-related challenges in different parts of the country.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Murasu, positioned over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, has been moving west-northwestwards. It was centred approximately 120 kilometres east-southeast of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and 160 kilometres northeast of Chennai when the latest assessment was issued. The weather agency has forecast that the storm will continue moving northwestwards before crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur.
The IMD has warned that the cyclone could bring sustained winds of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour. Such conditions could pose risks to coastal infrastructure, electricity networks, transportation and vulnerable settlements. Authorities in the affected regions will need to remain alert to the possibility of damage caused by strong winds, waterlogging and intense rainfall.
As a precautionary measure, the Meteorological Department has advised fishermen not to venture into the Southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday and the Southwest Bay of Bengal until Wednesday morning. The advisory is aimed at preventing fishing vessels and coastal communities from being exposed to dangerous sea conditions associated with the approaching cyclone.
The rainfall forecast has also prompted widespread alerts. The IMD has issued a red colour warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Coastal Andhra Pradesh until Tuesday. An orange alert has been issued for Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Telangana, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected during the day.
The impact of the prevailing weather system is likely to extend beyond the immediate cyclone-affected areas. Heavy rainfall is forecast over Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Mahe, Odisha and Karnataka during the next two days. The weather agency has also predicted thunderstorms and lightning over Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh until Tuesday, indicating that several regions will continue to experience unstable weather conditions.
The developing situation underlines the importance of timely preparedness, particularly in coastal districts where strong winds and intense rainfall can disrupt normal life. Fishermen, residents of vulnerable areas and people travelling through affected regions have been advised to follow official weather updates and precautionary instructions.
Meanwhile, northern India is facing a separate environmental challenge as air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have deteriorated significantly. The national capital's air quality has entered the very poor category, with the Central Pollution Control Board recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 318 at noon on Monday.
The contrasting weather and environmental developments highlight the multiple challenges facing different parts of the country. While southern and eastern regions prepare for the possible impact of Cyclone Murasu and associated heavy rainfall, Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with hazardous levels of air pollution, making public safety and administrative preparedness critical priorities.
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