Monsoon has picked up pace across India, and heavy rain has begun falling everywhere from Delhi to Mumbai. People who were battling heat and humidity through the last days of June are finally getting relief, but the weather office has also issued a serious warning alongside it. According to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department, several parts of the country will see heavy to very heavy rain over the coming days, with winds gusting at 80 to 85 kilometres per hour, lightning strikes, and hail in some pockets. This has raised the risk of waterlogging in cities, landslides in hill states, rising river levels, and falling trees. The weather department says several weather systems are active at the same time this year, giving the monsoon extra strength, which means this will not be an ordinary spell of rain but a high impact weather event in many states.
Weather is changing rapidly across Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and several states in South India. A low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, a cyclonic circulation active near the north Odisha coast, an off shore trough stretching from south Gujarat to Karnataka, and a western disturbance are together keeping the monsoon strong. The weather office says this system will intensify further over the next two to three days, expanding the spread of rainfall across north and east India. Temperatures could fall by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius in many areas, but that relief will come with the risk of strong winds and lightning, meaning people will need to stay alert even as the heat eases.
Maharashtra also continues to see relentless monsoon rain, with no sign of the spell letting up.
Monsoon's northern boundary has reached Delhi
The northern limit of the monsoon has now reached Delhi, all of Uttar Pradesh, most of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and several parts of Rajasthan. The weather department expects the monsoon to advance quickly into the remaining parts of northwest India over the next two to three days. This could benefit farming, since timely rain is considered good for crops and could speed up sowing activity. But in cities where drainage systems are weak, waterlogging and traffic jams could increase, making this a testing period for local administrations as well.
Multiple active systems raise concern
The biggest worry for weather scientists this time is that several weather systems are active simultaneously. The low pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal continues to strengthen. Alongside it, a monsoon trough, a cyclonic circulation, an off shore trough and a western disturbance are all active. The combined effect of all these systems could bring heavy rain, storms and lightning to several states at the same time. This is why the weather department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in safe locations during bad weather. Areas already prone to lightning strikes or landslides will need extra vigilance from local administrations as well.
Monsoon makes a strong entry in Delhi-NCR
Monsoon is now fully active in Delhi-NCR. A heavy rain and strong storm alert has been issued for the capital for July 3. According to the weather department, winds could reach up to 70 kilometres per hour in several areas. Heavy rain during the morning and evening hours could cause waterlogging, traffic jams and disruption to power supply. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 30 degrees Celsius. The continuous rain will certainly bring relief from humidity and heat, but commuters heading to work or school should plan for travel delays.
Heavy rain warning for several districts in Uttar Pradesh
Monsoon will be fully active across Uttar Pradesh as well. A heavy rain warning, along with winds of up to 75 kilometres per hour, has been issued for Saharanpur, Meerut, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Agra, Mathura, Bulandshahr, Etawah, Banda, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, Shahjahanpur, Sonbhadra and nearby districts. The weather department says thunder and lightning are also likely at several places. Farmers have been advised to take extra precaution while working in fields, while urban areas could see waterlogging, which has already put local administrations on alert.
Special lightning warning for Bihar
Heavy rain is expected in several districts of Bihar, including Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Buxar, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj, Khagaria and Munger. Winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour could blow in these areas. The weather department has specifically advised caution regarding lightning strikes, urging people to stay away from open fields, trees and electric poles. In Patna, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum around 30 degrees Celsius, though temperatures are expected to fall after the rain, offering some relief from the humid heat.
Three days of heavy rain in Jharkhand, rivers under watch
Jharkhand is expected to see heavy rain in several districts between July 3 and July 5. Ranchi, Dumka, Sahibganj, Pakur, Bokaro, Giridih, Jamtara, West Singhbhum, Gumla, Lohardaga and Saraikela could see heavy rain along with winds of 55 to 60 kilometres per hour. Continuous rain could raise the water levels of smaller rivers and streams, adding to the difficulties of people living in low lying areas. The weather department has advised people in sensitive areas to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
Low pressure system's impact on West Bengal
The low pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal will have its biggest impact on West Bengal. A heavy rain warning has been issued for Kolkata, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Murshidabad, Hooghly, Nadia, Birbhum, Purulia and South 24 Parganas. Winds of up to 60 kilometres per hour are expected in these areas, prompting the weather department to advise local residents to stay alert and fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea. Taken together, the next few days will remain sensitive across large parts of the country in terms of heavy rain, strong winds and lightning, meaning both administrations and ordinary people in every affected state will need to keep a close watch on the weather department's warnings.
