The monsoon has intensified its grip on North India, unleashing a fresh spell of heavy rainfall and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue high-level rain alerts for several states. With a persistent weather system causing widespread downpours, a “monsoon fury” is now gripping the Himalayan regions and the northern plains, leading to concerns over waterlogging, landslides, and flooding.
The IMD’s latest bulletin highlights an active monsoon trough that has shifted towards the foothills of the Himalayas, becoming the primary driver of this intense spell. As a result, states from the hills to the plains are bracing for a week of continued wet weather.
State-wise Alerts and Forecasts:
- Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: The hill states are on high alert, with the IMD issuing “orange” and “yellow” alerts for districts like Dehradun, Nainital, and Champawat. Forecasts predict isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days, raising a significant risk of landslides, mudslides, and flash floods. Residents and tourists have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: The plains of North India are facing a critical situation. The IMD has placed parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern Bihar under a “red alert,” warning of extremely heavy rainfall. In Bihar, major rivers like the Kosi and Gandak are flowing close to danger levels, forcing district administrations to initiate evacuation measures in several low-lying areas. Widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions have been reported across both states.
- Delhi-NCR: While the National Capital Region is not facing the severe threat seen in neighboring states, the IMD has issued an “orange” alert for potential heavy downpours. The intermittent light to moderate rainfall over the past few days has brought a welcome dip in temperatures but also resulted in traffic snarls and waterlogged streets in parts of Delhi and its suburbs. The forecast suggests more rain and thunderstorms for the weekend.
Meteorological experts have cautioned that the current spell is a classic example of the monsoon’s cyclical behavior, where a break in rainfall activity over central India leads to an intense phase over the northern regions. The cumulative seasonal rainfall across the country is currently tracking above normal, but the uneven distribution remains a concern, with some areas facing drought-like conditions while others are inundated.
Authorities are advising residents in affected areas to stay informed by monitoring official weather updates, securing outdoor belongings, and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety, particularly during periods of intense thunderstorms and lightning.
