India has recorded its heaviest August rainfall in 14 years, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a nationwide alert for potential floods, landslides, and cloudburst-like events throughout September 2025.
August Rainfall Breaks Records
According to IMD data:
- August 2025 saw 268.1 mm of rainfall, which is 5.2% above normal
- Northwest India received 265 mm, the highest since 2001 and 13th highest since 1901
- Cumulative rainfall from June to August reached 743.1 mm, 6% above the long-period average
This surge in precipitation has already caused widespread damage in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, with thousands displaced and crops destroyed.
September Outlook: Wetter Than Normal
IMD forecasts that September rainfall will exceed 109% of the long-period average of 167.9 mm, continuing the trend of extreme weather. The warning includes:
- Flash floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir
- Landslides in hilly regions due to saturated soil
- Cloudburst-like events, even with rainfall as low as 50 mm/hour
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra emphasized that “many rivers originate in Uttarakhand, and heavy rainfall could flood downstream cities and towns”.
Regions at Risk
- High Alert: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir
- Moderate Risk: Delhi, South Haryana, North Rajasthan
- Localized Impact: Chhattisgarh (Mahanadi catchment), parts of Northeast and South India
Advisory for Citizens
- Avoid travel in hilly areas during heavy rain
- Stay updated via IMD bulletins and local alerts
- Prepare emergency kits and secure property in flood-prone zones
- Farmers advised to protect standing crops and delay sowing in vulnerable regions
