IMD forecasts widespread heavy rainfall across India for next 6-7 days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday that very heavy rainfall is anticipated across large parts of India over the next six to seven days, with the monsoon remaining active over northwest, central, and east India during this period. Specific regions expected to experience very heavy rainfall include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan on some of these days.

Beyond the northwest, heavy rains are also likely in Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Jharkhand, with isolated heavy showers expected in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha on certain days. The western coast will not be spared, as Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat are also slated for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Saurashtra and Kutch may also receive heavy rain in the coming week. In Northeast India, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely, while Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka may experience heavy rain on some days.

This forecast follows the IMD's earlier prediction on Monday of above-normal rainfall for July across the country. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra specifically cautioned authorities and residents in central India, Uttarakhand, and Haryana to remain alert due to an increased risk of flooding. He emphasized the need to monitor catchment areas of major rivers like the Godavari, Mahanadi, and Krishna, as models show a high probability of above-normal rainfall in the upper Mahanadi catchment, which includes Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Mohapatra also highlighted the flood risk for cities and towns in Uttarakhand and Haryana, given the origin of several south-flowing rivers in Uttarakhand. While most regions are set for substantial rainfall, large parts of the northeast, many areas of eastern India, and extreme southern peninsular India are likely to receive below-normal rainfall.