Diwali weekend plans must factor in a possible cyclonic storm and thundershowers

• The latest forecast for the upcoming long weekend from India's Meteorological Department may be a dampener.
• Rain clouds threaten to ruin India's Diwali festivities with rains and thundershowers.
• The threat of the rains particularly high along the country's peninsular coast as seen in the image above.

Whether it is buying crackers for Diwali or planning a getaway for the long weekend, factor the possibility of a cyclonic storm called 'Kyarr' and thundershowers, particularly for people who live along or near the country's long coastline in places like Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Chennai, and Vishakapatnam.

Rain clouds threaten to ruin India's Diwali festivities with rains and thundershowers, according to the latest forecast from India's Meteorological Department.

A well-marked Low pressure area has intensified into a Depression and it is located over east central Arabian Sea. A Cyclonic Circulation and a trough extended from this system is located over Odisha and adjoining area. These systems produce moderate to heavy and thunderstorms over Southern and Eastern India with torrential rain over localized places. The Cyclonic Circulation will gradually move northeastward and rainfall area spread over North Eastern India until Saturday, a Weather Channel report said.

Rain totals of over 150 mm in 48 hour are likely with localized spots receiving up to 200 mm over Odisha, Meghalaya, West Bengal and part of Jharkhand until Saturday morning. Total rainfall of over 100-120 mm in 48 hours is likely over Goa and adjoining area until Saturday.

The threat of the rains particularly high along the country's peninsular coast as seen in the image above. "It is very likely to concentrate into a depression during next 24 hours and into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 48 hours," a Met Department official said. There is also a 'yellow alert' forecasting heavy rains in and around Mumbai and Thane.

Indians have a clutch of festivities starting from Dhanteras on Friday to Bhaubeej on Tuesday (October 29), with Diwali and Lakshmi Puja in between. The Met Dept has also warned the coutnry's fishermen to not venture out into the sea on Saturday and Sunday.