Large parts of India are set to witness intense monsoon conditions on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of torrential rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across several states over the next few hours.
The weather agency said the coming 14 hours could be particularly significant as heavy rainfall activity gathers pace in multiple regions. Authorities have urged people to remain alert as strong winds, waterlogging and localised flooding could disrupt normal life.
Heavy rainfall to intensify across north India
According to the IMD, widespread rainfall is expected to continue over Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand through the week.
Rainfall is also forecast to become more intense from Monday across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Several places in these states may receive heavy to very heavy rain during the week.
The department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. People have been advised to avoid open areas during adverse weather.
Odisha faces most intense spell
Eastern India is also likely to remain under the influence of an active monsoon.
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Jharkhand and Bihar over the coming days.
Among these states, Odisha is expected to receive the heaviest rainfall on Monday. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated locations likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall.
Jharkhand is also likely to receive heavy rain, while rainfall activity is expected to pick up across Bihar during the week.
Strong winds may trigger disruptions
The IMD warned that wind speeds could touch 80 kmph in some areas.
Such conditions could lead to uprooted trees, power outages, traffic disruptions and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Residents living near rivers and coastal regions, along with farmers and travellers, have been advised to remain cautious.
The IMD said prolonged rain may increase the risk of landslides in the hills and push up river levels. It has urged people in vulnerable areas to stay alert and avoid venturing out unless necessary.