New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand under a red alert today, cautioning residents about the possibility of extremely heavy downpours. Officials have warned of potential flooding, landslides, and transport disruptions as monsoon activity intensifies in several parts of north India.
According to the bulletin, isolated pockets of East Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha are also expected to witness heavy to very heavy showers over the next 48 hours. Southern and western states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, are likely to receive significant rainfall until September 3, while the Northeast may remain rain-soaked for nearly a week.
Alongside the rains, the weather department has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, advising residents to exercise caution.
Regional Impact
Uttarakhand: Red alert has been issued for districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri, and Bageshwar. Schools and Anganwadi centres in six districts, including Chamoli and Almora, will remain shut today as a safety measure.
Punjab: The state government has extended school holidays till September 3 owing to the forecast of incessant rainfall.
Himachal Pradesh: Normal life has been disrupted following two days of continuous downpour. Educational institutions in 10 districts have been ordered closed after the Met Office warned of further heavy rain.
September Outlook
In its monthly climate report, IMD projected that September is likely to be wetter than usual, with most parts of India expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. While this could replenish water resources and aid agriculture, experts have cautioned about associated risks such as floods, health hazards, and ecological damage. Some regions of east and northeast India, along with parts of peninsular south India, may however experience below-average rainfall.
Authorities across the affected states have advised citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official advisories as the monsoon enters one of its most intense phases of the season.
