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A fresh spell of intense monsoon weather is expected to sweep across large parts of the country, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing heavy rain, thunderstorm and strong wind warnings for 15 states. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are among the regions expected to face the highest risk of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging over the coming days.
The weather department said the latest spell has been triggered by multiple weather systems, including a low-pressure area over eastern India and a fresh Western Disturbance. The combination is expected to strengthen monsoon activity across several regions over the next few days.
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Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 70 kmph is likely in several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The IMD warned that strong winds could uproot trees, damage electricity infrastructure and affect standing crops, while lightning remains a major threat, particularly across eastern India.
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Heavy rainfall likely over several regions for the next week
According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over parts of Northeast India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and the western Himalayan region during the next seven days. Rainfall activity, however, is expected to remain subdued over west-central and south peninsular India during the same period, while the northwest plains may see relatively lower rainfall for the next three days.
The department advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and follow advisories issued by local authorities. It also cautioned that heavy rain could disrupt transport services and electricity supply in affected areas.
Orange Alert for Himachal Pradesh
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall from July 19 to July 23.
The alert comes as a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to interact with the southwest monsoon, resulting in widespread rainfall across the state.
Meteorological Centre Director Shobhit Katiyar said a Yellow Alert has been issued for Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on Saturday. Residents and tourists have been urged to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
Flash flood warning for Jammu and Kashmir
The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, with the possibility of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Weather conditions are expected to remain particularly severe on Saturday night, Sunday morning and between July 20 and July 22.
Residents have been advised to avoid rivers, streams and waterfalls, exercise caution while travelling on hilly roads and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities. Disaster management agencies have also been asked to remain prepared for any weather-related emergencies.
Several states already recorded intense rainfall
The latest warning comes after parts of the country witnessed intense rainfall over the previous 24 hours. The IMD said Chhattisgarh recorded extremely heavy rainfall, while Odisha and coastal Karnataka received extremely heavy rain. Uttarakhand, Goa, Kerala and parts of Karnataka also reported very heavy rainfall during the period.
The department also reported thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds of 40-60 kmph across several states during the past 24 hours.
The IMD has advised people across affected regions to closely monitor official weather bulletins, as weather conditions may change rapidly during the ongoing monsoon spell.
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