Summary: Cyclone Arnab weakened after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, 2026, but its remnants are expected to influence weather conditions across several Indian states. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and possible hailstorms in multiple regions on October 29.
Cyclone Arnab Aftermath: Weather Remains Unsettled Across India
Cyclone Arnab has weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, but the Cyclone Arnab weather update remains important for residents across eastern, central and northern India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm moved inland on October 28 and was expected to weaken further. Its remaining circulation, combined with other atmospheric systems, is contributing to unsettled weather conditions across several regions.
The IMD forecast for October 29 includes heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, east Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Heavy rain is also possible in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are additional concerns in several states.
Although a cyclone generally weakens after moving over land, its effects do not disappear immediately. Moisture associated with the system can continue to influence rainfall, while other weather disturbances may increase the likelihood of thunderstorms in areas far from the original landfall location.
Cyclone Arnab Landfall: What Happened on October 28?
Cyclone Arnab developed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and moved towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD’s October 28 updates tracked the system as it approached the coastline and subsequently weakened after moving inland.
According to India Today’s report citing the IMD, the landfall process was completed by approximately 8:30 am on October 28, with the storm crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
By the evening of October 28, the system had weakened from a severe cyclonic storm to a cyclonic storm. An IMD sea-area bulletin issued early on October 29 indicated that it was expected to weaken into a deep depression and gradually lose further intensity.
The weakening of the cyclone reduces some aspects of the immediate threat, but it does not automatically eliminate heavy rainfall or localised flooding risks. Rainfall can persist as a weather system moves inland, particularly where moist air interacts with other atmospheric conditions.
For residents, the practical concern is therefore not only the cyclone’s wind strength but also the latest rainfall warnings, local drainage conditions and the possibility of thunderstorms.
IMD Rain Alert: Which States Face Heavy Rainfall?
The IMD forecast reported on October 28 identified several states that could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 29. Conditions may differ considerably between districts, so residents should consult district-specific forecasts rather than relying only on statewide summaries.
Bihar: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. The forecast also indicates a continuing risk of unsettled conditions into October 30 in some areas.
Chhattisgarh: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible at isolated places, with thunderstorms and gusty winds. Localised waterlogging and disruption to road travel may become concerns if intense rainfall occurs over short periods.
East Madhya Pradesh: The region is under a heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast at isolated locations. Thunderstorms and lightning are also possible.
East Uttar Pradesh: Widespread rainfall is expected in parts of the region, with isolated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms possible. The forecast also indicates continuing unsettled conditions through October 30 in some areas.
Jharkhand: Heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are possible. Strong squalls may create additional risks, particularly in exposed locations.
Odisha: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated locations on October 29. The IMD has also indicated further rainfall risk around the beginning of November.
These warnings are based on the forecast available for October 29 and may change with subsequent IMD updates.
Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Punjab Face Thunderstorm Risks
The impact of Cyclone Arnab is not limited to the eastern coastline. The IMD has also forecast unsettled weather over parts of northern India, including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab.
According to India Today, thunderstorms with possible hailstorms were forecast in these areas on October 29. Thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph were also expected at isolated locations, with some gusts potentially reaching higher speeds. East Rajasthan was also identified as an area where isolated hailstorm activity could occur.
A western disturbance approaching northern India may interact with moisture associated with the cyclone, contributing to rainfall and thunderstorms. This is an important distinction because weather conditions across the northern plains are not determined by the cyclone alone.
For commuters, strong winds and sudden downpours can reduce visibility and make driving difficult. Hailstorms, where they occur, can damage vehicles, outdoor structures and crops. Residents should avoid exposed locations during lightning and follow local traffic and weather advisories.
Andhra Pradesh and Coastal Regions Continue to Face Weather Concerns
Andhra Pradesh experienced the cyclone’s direct impact as Arnab crossed the coast. Even after landfall, coastal districts can remain vulnerable to heavy rainfall, strong winds, waterlogging and rough sea conditions.
The IMD’s sea-area bulletin issued at 6:15 am IST on October 29 continued to describe unsettled marine conditions across parts of the Bay of Bengal. It reported widespread rain or thundershowers in several sea areas, with isolated heavy rain and rough to very rough conditions in parts of the west-central Bay.
Coastal residents should pay attention to official instructions concerning fishing, boating and travel near the shoreline. Fishermen should follow the latest IMD marine warnings and avoid entering restricted or hazardous sea areas.
Heavy rain can also affect low-lying settlements, roads and drainage systems. Water levels may rise quickly in localised areas, especially where rainfall is intense or drainage is inadequate.
The appropriate response will vary by district. Residents should follow local administration advisories instead of assuming that conditions are equally dangerous across the entire coastline.
What Cyclone-Related Rain Means for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
For smaller cities and towns, heavy rainfall can create practical challenges even when the cyclone is weakening. Urban drainage capacity, road conditions, construction activity and access to emergency services can influence how severely a locality is affected.
Waterlogging can slow buses, disrupt school transport and delay emergency vehicles. Areas with open drains, low-lying roads or poorly maintained drainage systems may experience localised flooding during intense showers.
In rural areas, heavy rain can affect agricultural operations, movement between villages and access to local markets. Strong winds and hailstorms may also damage standing crops or temporary structures where such weather occurs.
Cities in central India, including parts of Vidarbha, should not assume that the cyclone will bring the same rainfall everywhere. The IMD’s forecast reported thunderstorms and gusty winds for Vidarbha, but local conditions may vary between districts. Residents in Nagpur and nearby areas should check the latest regional and district forecasts before making weather-related decisions.
Local authorities can reduce disruption by monitoring vulnerable locations, clearing drainage channels where needed and communicating warnings in accessible languages. Residents can help by reporting blocked drains, avoiding flooded underpasses and keeping emergency contact information available.
Safety Measures During Heavy Rain, Lightning and Strong Winds
Weather warnings are most useful when they lead to timely precautions. Residents in affected areas should follow these measures:
- Check the latest IMD forecast and district-level alerts before travelling.
- Avoid walking or driving through flowing floodwater, even when its depth is difficult to judge.
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open fields, isolated trees, rooftops and exposed metal structures.
- Secure loose outdoor objects that could be displaced by strong winds.
- Keep mobile phones charged and store drinking water, essential medicines and a torch where severe weather is expected.
- Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities if flooding or another immediate hazard develops.
- Fishermen and boat operators should follow official marine warnings and restrictions.
People should also avoid touching fallen electrical wires or entering flooded areas where electrical equipment may be submerged. Report dangerous conditions to the appropriate local authorities or emergency services.
Why Official Weather Updates Matter After a Cyclone
Cyclone forecasts are updated as meteorologists receive new observations and assess changes in the storm’s position, intensity and movement. A warning issued several hours earlier may no longer describe the latest conditions accurately.
The IMD provides cyclone bulletins, rainfall forecasts, warnings and marine advisories. Residents can use these official updates to understand whether their district faces heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds or other hazards.
It is equally important to distinguish between a forecast and a confirmed event. A warning of heavy rainfall does not mean every locality in a state will experience flooding. Similarly, a weakening cyclone does not guarantee that weather conditions will immediately return to normal.
For October 29, the available forecasts point to continued weather risks across eastern and central India, along with thunderstorms and possible hailstorms in parts of northern India. The extent of local disruption will depend on actual rainfall, wind conditions and the response of local infrastructure.
Residents should continue monitoring official updates through October 30 and beyond wherever warnings remain in force. Further forecasts may change as the weather system weakens and other atmospheric disturbances evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28, 2026, and weakened after landfall.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall was forecast at isolated locations in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, east Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha on October 29.
- Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab faced forecasts of thunderstorms, gusty winds and possible hailstorms.
- Residents should follow current IMD and district-level warnings, avoid flooded roads and take precautions during lightning and strong winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happened to Cyclone Arnab on October 29, 2026?
Cyclone Arnab weakened after crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28. An IMD bulletin issued early on October 29 indicated that the system was expected to weaken further into a deep depression.
2. Which Indian states were under heavy rainfall alerts?
The forecast for October 29 identified Bihar, Chhattisgarh, east Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also faced heavy rainfall risks.
3. Will Cyclone Arnab affect Delhi-NCR?
The IMD forecast thunderstorms, gusty winds and possible hailstorms in Delhi-NCR on October 29. Rainfall and wind conditions can vary locally, so residents should check the latest forecast before travelling.
4. Where can people check the latest Cyclone Arnab weather alerts?
People can check official updates through the India Meteorological Department website at mausam.imd.gov.in and follow advisories issued by state and district disaster management authorities.
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