New Delhi – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued widespread rainfall warnings across multiple Indian states as monsoon showers continue to batter large swathes of the country, causing disruption to daily life, triggering waterlogging, and forcing school closures. The IMD has placed much of the nation on alert until June 30, with the worst-affected regions expected to experience heavy to very heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.
A yellow alert has been issued for Delhi, where the long-awaited monsoon is expected to arrive by Thursday, June 26. According to the IMD, the national capital and its adjoining areas will see light to moderate rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, offering much-needed relief from the persistent summer heat.
Torrential Rains Disrupt Life in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala
As of Tuesday, June 24, severe weather has already taken a toll in several parts of the country. In Surat, Gujarat, intense rainfall led to widespread waterlogging, forcing schools to shut and affecting transportation. In Nashik, Maharashtra, the Godavari river overflowed, submerging surrounding areas and raising concerns over flood preparedness. Meanwhile, Kerala – among the first states to witness the monsoon’s arrival – continued to witness steady downpours.
What the IMD Forecasts
In its latest bulletin, the IMD warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across western, central, eastern, and southern India, cautioning that the effects of the monsoon will intensify in the coming days.
Key predictions include:
- Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat region: Very heavy rainfall is likely in some areas between June 24 to 30.
- Saurashtra and Kutch: Heavy rainfall expected at isolated places during this period.
- Northwest India (including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers is likely to continue until June 30.
The IMD also noted very heavy rainfall over Uttarakhand (June 24–27), East Rajasthan (June 24 and 27), West Rajasthan (June 27), Haryana and Punjab (June 25–26), West Uttar Pradesh (June 25 and 27), and Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh region (June 25).
Thunderstorms and winds reaching 30–40 kmph are also expected to accompany the rains in many of these areas, posing additional hazards such as fallen trees and power outages.
Heatwave in Jammu Even Amid Rain Warnings
In a rare twist, the IMD has simultaneously issued a heatwave alert for parts of Jammu despite the ongoing monsoon activity. Experts suggest the coexistence of rain and heatwave is due to uneven distribution of rainfall and prevailing dry winds in certain pockets.
East and Northeast India to See Persistent Rains
The monsoon isn’t sparing the eastern and northeastern belts either. According to IMD forecasts:
- Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh: Isolated rainfall likely till June 28, with very heavy rainfall expected in Bihar (June 28), Jharkhand (June 26), and Odisha (June 25–26).
- West Bengal: Rainfall is expected from June 25 to 27.
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim: Showers likely on June 25, 28, and 29.
- Northeast India: Consistent rainfall with occasional heavy to very heavy showers, thunderstorms, and winds is likely to persist over the next seven days.
South India Weather Outlook
Southern states are also on the IMD’s radar:
- Kerala and Karnataka: Isolated heavy rainfall is expected until June 28.
- Tamil Nadu and Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells on June 27–28.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Gusty winds up to 50 kmph along with moderate to heavy rainfall are expected daily until June 30.
Urban Flooding and Safety Concerns
The intensifying monsoon has raised fears of urban flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in densely populated cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, and Kolkata, where drainage infrastructure often fails to keep up with torrential rains.
The IMD has urged state governments and civic bodies to remain on high alert, especially in areas prone to landslides, flash floods, and river overflows. Commuters are also advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains, remain indoors during thunderstorms, and keep emergency kits ready.
Delhi Prepares for Monsoon Arrival
The national capital has yet to receive full monsoon showers, but anticipation is high. With a yellow alert in place, the Delhi-NCR region is expected to get its first proper spell of the season by June 26, bringing down temperatures and improving air quality. However, intermittent storms could cause traffic snarls, power outages, and waterlogging in certain pockets of the city.
What Citizens Should Know
The IMD has issued several guidelines to ensure safety during this period:
- Stay updated with local weather bulletins.
- Avoid open areas during thunderstorms and lightning events.
- Refrain from using electronic appliances during heavy storms.
- Do not attempt to cross waterlogged streets or bridges.
- Emergency helpline numbers should be kept handy.
With nearly every region of India set to receive varying intensities of rainfall through June 30, the monsoon is in full swing. While the rains bring agricultural relief and cool temperatures, they also carry risks of flooding, infrastructure collapse, and accidents.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but experts emphasize the need for individual preparedness and community resilience. As IMD’s forecasts continue to evolve, citizens are advised to plan their travel and daily activities accordingly and prioritize safety.
