Several states in northwest India are under heavy rainfall alerts as the monsoon continues its advance across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for extremely heavy rainfall in the coming days, with significant rainfall expected in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, East Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh from June 21-27.
The southwest monsoon has further progressed into the remaining parts of Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and most of Uttarakhand. This advancement promises much-needed relief from the summer heat but also raises concerns about potential flooding in vulnerable areas.
The IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya, East Uttar Pradesh, and East Madhya Pradesh. Widespread showers are also expected across Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Northeast India, Central India, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and the Western Ghats. In contrast, Tamil Nadu is likely to experience hot and humid weather with no significant rainfall.
From June 20 to 26, several states are expected to experience persistent downpours. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected across Central & East India, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim. West India, including Gujarat, Konkan & Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra, will also experience extremely heavy rainfall, particularly between June 22–24.
The IMD has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings for Assam & Meghalaya, Bihar, Gujarat Region, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan & Goa, and northeastern states for June 22. Heavy showers are also likely in Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, Punjab, Saurashtra & Kutch, and West Bengal. Tamil Nadu may continue to experience hot and humid conditions.
The IMD urges residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to stay alert and follow local administration advisories. The widespread nature of the rain system raises the possibility of localized flooding, waterlogging, and transport disruptions in several regions. While agricultural zones and water reservoirs are expected to benefit from the intensifying monsoon, authorities are cautioning residents in landslide-prone areas and regions with poor drainage infrastructure to take necessary precautions.
The monsoon is expected to reach Delhi by June 24, three days ahead of its normal arrival date of June 27. Delhi is expected to have a generally cloudy sky with very light to light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph, potentially increasing to 50 kmph during thunderstorms.
