Cyclone Rain to Spread Across Odisha and Central India

Key Takeaways:

• Odisha Rainfall: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places on October 27, followed by isolated extremely heavy rainfall on October 28.
• Chhattisgarh and Telangana: Heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy spells is forecast on October 28, with northern Chhattisgarh remaining vulnerable on October 29.
• Rainfall Expansion: Cyclone Arnab's remnant circulation is expected to spread rainfall towards Vidarbha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• Weather Impacts: Intense rainfall and thundersqualls may cause waterlogging, flooding, crop damage and transport disruptions across affected states.
• Forecast Validity: October 27–29, 2026 (Next 72 Hours)

Arnab’s influence will extend well beyond the Andhra Pradesh landfall zone, with a broad belt of heavy rain forecast to develop across Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and adjoining central India during the next 72 hours. Odisha may receive heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on October 27, followed by isolated extremely heavy rain on October 28. This creates a growing risk of waterlogging, local flooding and transport disruption, particularly across southern and interior districts.

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The expanding rainfall zone will be produced by deep moisture circulating around the cyclone as it approaches the coast and subsequently moves inland. Strong convergence north and northwest of the storm centre will support persistent rain bands, while the weakening cyclone’s remnant circulation will carry moisture towards Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and eastern Madhya Pradesh. Rainfall intensity and its geographical spread will therefore increase even as Arnab begins losing its coastal wind strength after landfall.

On Tuesday, October 27, widespread rain is expected to begin over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with heavy rain also possible at isolated places in Chhattisgarh and Telangana. By Wednesday, heavy to very heavy rain with isolated extremely heavy falls is forecast over Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Thundersqualls reaching 50–60 kmph, with gusts to 70 kmph, may occur over Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while lightning and gusty winds are possible farther west.

During October 28 and 29, widespread rainfall is likely over Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha and eastern Madhya Pradesh. Isolated extremely heavy rain is expected over southern Chhattisgarh on October 28 and northern Chhattisgarh on October 29. Heavy rain may also reach Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and eastern Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, with the wetter belt expanding towards eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar thereafter.

The rain may affect paddy harvesting, damage water-sensitive produce and cause lodging in standing crops. Farmers should postpone spraying and fertiliser application, improve field drainage and protect harvested grain. Travellers should anticipate slower road and rail movement where intense rain reduces visibility or floods low-lying routes. Since the inland path depends on Arnab’s landfall position and rate of weakening, residents should consult updated state and district warnings rather than relying solely on the broad outlook.