NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh multi-day rainfall warning across large parts of India, with Odisha facing the most serious near-term threat. IMD’s midday bulletin says isolated extremely heavy rainfall is likely over Odisha on August 30, while very heavy rain is forecast there on August 28–29 and again on August 31.
The warning comes as active monsoon systems continue to drive widespread rain across eastern, central, northern and northeastern India. At the same time, IMD says rainfall activity over much of peninsular India is likely to remain subdued during the coming week.
Odisha Faces Extremely Heavy Rain on August 30
Odisha is one of the key areas under watch. IMD forecasts widespread rainfall across the state through September 3, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during parts of the period.
Isolated very heavy rainfall is likely on August 28, 29 and 31, with the threat intensifying to extremely heavy rainfall on August 30. Heavy rain is also forecast on September 1–3.
Such intense rainfall can cause rapid waterlogging, local flooding and sharp rises in smaller rivers and streams, particularly where the ground is already saturated.
Uttarakhand Rain Threat Intensifies
Uttarakhand also faces an extended period of unsettled weather.
IMD expects widespread rainfall across the Himalayan state from August 28 through September 3. Heavy rain is forecast on August 28–30 and September 2–3, while isolated very heavy rainfall is expected on August 31 and September 1. Thunderstorms and lightning are also possible throughout the period.
Persistent rain in mountainous terrain can increase the risk of landslides, falling rocks, road blockages and rapidly rising streams.
Madhya Pradesh Under Heavy Rain Warning
Central India is another major focus of the latest forecast.
East Madhya Pradesh faces isolated very heavy rainfall on August 28, followed by heavy rain through much of the coming week. Another spell of very heavy rain is possible on September 3.
West Madhya Pradesh is under a heavy-rain warning for August 28, with another round expected on September 2–3.
Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal Brace for Rain
Bihar is forecast to receive heavy rainfall through September 1, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. IMD has additionally highlighted the possibility of moderate-to-severe lightning activity over Bihar on August 28.
Jharkhand could receive isolated heavy rainfall from August 28–31. Gangetic West Bengal is also forecast to see several spells of heavy rain, with very heavy rainfall possible on August 30. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim face heavy rain during parts of the period as well.
UP and Himachal Rain to Increase Again
Both East and West Uttar Pradesh have heavy-rain warnings for August 28. East UP could see another extended spell from August 31 through September 3, while West UP faces renewed heavy rainfall on September 2–3.
Himachal Pradesh has no heavy-rain warning for August 28–30, but conditions are forecast to deteriorate from August 31, with heavy rainfall expected through September 3.
Northeast India Also Under Watch
Widespread rainfall is forecast across much of northeastern India. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya could experience very heavy rainfall on August 30, while Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura face isolated heavy rain through September 3.
IMD Advises Continued Weather Vigilance
The latest warning is particularly significant for people living in flood-prone lowlands, Himalayan districts and areas vulnerable to landslides. Heavy rain combined with thunderstorms and lightning can also disrupt road and rail transport and damage crops and infrastructure.
Residents should follow district-level IMD alerts and local disaster-management instructions, avoid flooded roads and overflowing waterways, and exercise additional caution during thunderstorms.
The outlook can change as monsoon systems evolve, making IMD’s district-level warnings and nowcasts especially important during the next several days.
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