The monsoon has unleashed a fierce spell across the country, causing water levels in rivers to surge, triggering landslides, and leaving roads waterlogged. The weather has proven fatal in several locations, including Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Bulandshahr, where loss of life has been reported due to rain-related incidents. According to the meteorological authorities, heavy rainfall is set to continue across 18 states today. The states under high alert include Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Specifically, a red alert has been issued for several districts in Uttarakhand, with residents urged to stay indoors.
Continued Rain in Delhi-NCR
While the incessant rainfall over the past few days has brought down temperatures in Delhi, it has also resulted in severe waterlogging across various parts of the National Capital Region. Several deaths have been attributed to the weather in the capital. The forecast indicates that rainfall will persist in many areas of Delhi-NCR today. Experts attribute this ongoing weather pattern to a monsoon pressure system that shifted from Central India towards the Himalayan foothills. Broad-scale rainfall is expected to continue until this pressure system moves further north, with dry weather predicted to return to the city starting July 12.
Alert Issued for Uttar Pradesh
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow has warned of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in districts such as Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Sambhal, and Budaun. Similarly, other districts across western and central Uttar Pradesh are bracing for heavy to very heavy precipitation. Widespread rain is expected to continue throughout the state until July 11, likely leading to a drop in temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. The IMD explained that monsoon activity has intensified due to a low-pressure system over north-west Madhya Pradesh and an associated cyclonic circulation. Residents in Lucknow and surrounding areas are cautioned against waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The department has also warned of potential thunderstorms and lightning strikes across the state.
Precautions in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
An orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand on Friday, with generally cloudy skies and forecasts of rain and thundershowers in various locations. Over the next two days, the weather department expects heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning. Recent records show rainfall of 46 mm in Jakholi, 23 mm in Ukhimath, and 20 mm in the Rudraprayag district headquarters. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh has also received fresh alerts for multiple districts including Bilaspur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Sirmaur, Solan, and Shimla. As a safety measure against heavy rain, all government and private educational institutions in the Sirmaur and Solan districts remain closed on Friday, though the order excludes teaching and non-teaching staff. The authorities have advised citizens to avoid rivers, drains, landslide-prone areas, and unnecessary travel.
Updates for Bihar, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh
In Bihar, an alert has been issued for heavy rain accompanied by strong winds in districts including Saran, Siwan, Munger, Bhojpur, Katihar, Gaya, Saharsa, Kishanganj, Supaul, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and West Champaran. Similar alerts have been issued for several districts in Jharkhand. Conversely, rainfall is expected to ease in parts of Arunachal Pradesh starting Friday. While an orange alert remains in effect for Papum Pare, Lower Dibang Valley, and Tirap districts for Friday, conditions are likely to improve by the weekend. However, a yellow alert for thunderstorms and heavy rain is expected to remain in place for eastern and foothill districts until Monday.
