New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a significant advancement of the southwest monsoon over the next few days, bringing relief from the scorching heat that has gripped several parts of the country.
According to the IMD, the monsoon is expected to cover the remaining parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh by around June 23, paving the way for widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across many regions.
Despite the approaching monsoon, heatwave conditions are likely to continue in eastern Uttar Pradesh until June 24, Bihar until June 22, and parts of Maharashtra and Telangana until June 20.
The weather department has forecast intermittent rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between June 19 and 22. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are expected to witness widespread rainfall during the same period, while Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive significant rainfall on June 20 and 21.
The IMD has also warned of severe thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between June 19 and 22. Western Rajasthan may experience dust storms on June 19 and 20, followed by cloudy weather and rainfall on June 24 and 25.
Heavy Rainfall Likely Across Central and Eastern India
Several regions in central and eastern India are expected to receive widespread rainfall over the coming week. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and the Vidarbha region are likely to witness rain accompanied by gusty winds from June 19 to 25.
Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gangetic West Bengal and Sikkim. The IMD has issued a warning for very heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim until June 21.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected in Bihar from June 21 to 23 and in Odisha from June 21 to 25.
Northeast States Under Flood Watch
The weather department has expressed concern over the northeastern region, where persistent heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding and waterlogging.
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to receive widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning between June 19 and 25. Authorities have been advised to remain vigilant as water levels in rivers and low-lying areas may rise.
Rain Alert for Southern States
In southern India, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Telangana are expected to receive scattered rainfall during the next week.
Heavy showers are also likely in Lakshadweep, coastal and interior Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema over the next four to five days, according to the IMD.
The weather department has urged residents, particularly those living in vulnerable and flood-prone areas, to stay updated with local forecasts and follow advisories as monsoon activity intensifies across the country.
