Monsoon Fury: IMD Flags Extended Spell of Severe Rainfall Alert Across India
In a major weather development, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe rainfall alert for a wide swath of the country spanning from Himachal Pradesh to Odisha, as the southwest monsoon enters an active phase. The alert, effective from June 30 to July 6, 2025, warns of widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, squally winds, and heightened risk of flash floods in vulnerable regions.
Regions Under Severe Rainfall Alert
According to IMD’s forecast, the following regions are expected to experience significant weather disturbances:
- Northwest India: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
- Central India: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha
- East India: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal
- Northeast India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura
- Western Coastal Belt: Gujarat, Konkan & Goa, Ghat regions of Maharashtra
- South Peninsular India: Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka
Flash Flood Risks in Hilly States
A moderate flash flood risk has been flagged for parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including districts like Kangra, Mandi, Tehri Garhwal, and Dehradun, where soil saturation and continued rainfall could lead to localized flooding, landslides, and landslips.
Fishermen Warned: Total Suspension in Coastal Waters
The IMD has also issued marine warnings, advising fishermen to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal due to expected wind speeds of up to 90 km/h and turbulent sea conditions until July 5.
Areas affected include the Gujarat-Konkan coast, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh coast, Gulf of Mannar, and Andaman Sea.
Key Weather Features Driving the Alert
- A low-pressure area has formed over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, influencing weather patterns across eastern and central states.
- A cyclonic circulation over South Rajasthan and North Gujarat is adding to the intensity.
- An east-west trough is driving rain across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Delhi NCR Weather Outlook (June 30 – July 3)
The capital region is expected to see light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorm activity, and cooler temperatures, with maximums ranging from 30°C to 34°C, well below seasonal norms. Authorities are urging residents to remain alert for falling trees, traffic jams, and localized waterlogging.
Agriculture and Urban Life at Risk
The impact of the severe rainfall alert is not limited to infrastructure. The IMD has highlighted the possibility of:
- Crop damage in waterlogged fields across Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
- Disruption of horticulture and banana plantations in Gujarat and coastal Maharashtra.
- Traffic slowdowns and underpass closures in urban zones like Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, and Jaipur.
Action Points for Citizens
- Avoid travel during thunderstorms and obey traffic advisories.
- Secure loose outdoor items and avoid sheltering under trees.
- Farmers should postpone sowing activities, drain excess water, and secure fragile crops.
Quick Glance: Impact Summary
| Region | Risk Level | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Himachal, Uttarakhand | High | Landslides, flash floods |
| Odisha, Jharkhand | High | Waterlogging, crop damage |
| Delhi NCR | Moderate | Traffic delays, tree falls |
| Gujarat, Konkan | High | Wind damage, heavy rainfall |
| Northeast | High | Very Severe Rainfall Alert on July 2-3 |
With the IMD’s severe rainfall alert covering over 20 states and Union Territories, citizens are advised to take precautions seriously. As India’s monsoon season peaks, preparedness at the household, civic, and agricultural levels is crucial to mitigating the adverse impacts of nature’s deluge.
