IMD foresees heavy to extremely heavy monsoon rain across eastern and northern India
IMD warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple states in eastern and northern India, with isolated extremely heavy rain possible in Gangetic West Bengal and north Odisha. The outlook spans several days, amid a monsoon depression over Jharkhand and nearby regions.
Key takeaways
- IMD issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall across eastern and northern India, driven by a monsoon depression.
- Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is possible over Gangetic West Bengal and north Odisha.
- Wider impacts include potential heavy rain in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast.
What Happened
Multiple sources report that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall across eastern and northern India. A weather system described as a monsoon depression is influencing rainfall patterns over Jharkhand and adjoining areas, with accompanying heavy showers forecast for Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and other states in the region. Forecasters indicate isolated pockets of extremely heavy rain are possible in parts of Gangetic West Bengal and north Odisha.
In addition to eastern India, the IMD’s outlook includes heavy rain risks extending to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and portions of the Northeast. Delhi-NCR is also expected to experience heavy rain at isolated places, with an ongoing potential for rainfall activity into the next day or two in northern India. The forecast highlights a broad spread of moisture and thunderstorm activity across central and northern regions as the monsoon surge continues.
Regional forecasts additionally warn of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds in various coastal and inland areas, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, and portions of the Northeast. Forecasters also flag a continued wet spell for East Uttar Pradesh through mid-August, with elevated chances of heavy rain on subsequent days as the monsoon system lingers.
Why It Matters
The IMD warnings indicate a sustained period of heavy rainfall that could raise the risk of flash floods in vulnerable watersheds and urban areas, complicating travel and infrastructure in several states. With multiple states expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated extreme events, preparedness for flooding and waterlogging is essential for affected communities.
Background
IMD communications describe a monsoon depression influencing rainfall in eastern and central India, with observed rainfall deficits noted in some regions this monsoon season. Authorities have repeatedly stressed monitoring and localized alerts as conditions evolve across days 15–21 August, with particular emphasis on Gangetic West Bengal, north Odisha, and adjacent states.
Key Facts
- IMD forecast: heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
- Isolated extremely heavy rainfall possible over north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal.
- Widespread rainfall anticipated in parts of central and northern India through mid-August; thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds expected in several regions.
- Monsoon depression over Jharkhand and nearby Gangetic West Bengal contributing to the predicted surge in eastern and central India.
- Some forecasts indicate the wet spell extending through August 21 in eastern Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas.
- Overall monsoon rainfall this year is reported as 12% below average in some regions, with a 26% shortfall in East and Northeast India.
What Happens Next
Meteorological services expect continued rainfall activity across eastern and northern India in the coming days, with localized extreme rainfall possible in select areas. Officials advise monitoring IMD updates for district-level alerts and to prepare for potential flooding and travel disruption as the monsoon system remains active through mid-August.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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