Weather
The monsoon season is in full swing across India, and weather authorities have issued a red and orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall over the next five days in at least 15 states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned residents, especially those in flood-prone and hilly areas, to stay prepared as intense weather conditions are expected to continue due to the active southwest monsoon.
States Under Heavy Rainfall Warning
According to the latest IMD forecast, the states likely to witness very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.
In particular, coastal Maharashtra, Konkan, and parts of central India are likely to receive more than 200 mm of rainfall in isolated places. These conditions raise the risk of waterlogging, landslides, and river swelling, especially in regions with poor drainage systems.
Cause of the Intense Rainfall
The ongoing spell of rainfall is being driven by multiple meteorological factors, including:
- A low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal.
- A strong monsoon trough stretching across central India.
- High moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
These factors combined are creating favorable conditions for widespread showers and thunderstorms across large parts of the country.
Impact on Daily Life
The forecasted downpour is expected to significantly impact normal life in several regions. Urban areas like Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru are already dealing with traffic congestion and waterlogging. In rural and hilly areas, there’s a heightened risk of flash floods and landslides. Travel by road and rail may be disrupted due to flooding or debris blocking transport routes.
Farmers have been advised to manage their crops accordingly and avoid waterlogging in paddy fields. Power disruptions are also possible in certain areas due to lightning and strong winds.
Precautions and Safety Tips
Residents in affected areas are urged to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours.
- Stay away from overflowing rivers, lakes, and steep slopes.
- Keep emergency kits ready, including dry food, drinking water, flashlights, and first-aid.
- Listen to local news and follow updates from IMD and disaster management authorities.
Local administration in many districts has already put disaster response teams on standby, and schools in several regions may remain closed to ensure student safety.
While the monsoon is vital for India’s agriculture and water reserves, extreme weather events must be taken seriously. The next five days are crucial, and residents in high-alert zones should remain cautious. Timely preparedness can prevent major loss of life and property during these unpredictable weather patterns. Stay tuned to official updates and take necessary precautions. Safety comes first during this heavy monsoon phase.
