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Summary
Odisha, Chhattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh face heavy to very heavy rainfall, with orange alerts issued amid thunderstorms and strong winds.
Agartala faces severe waterlogging and flood-like conditions after heavy rainfall, while NDRF teams continue rescue operations across affected localities.
More than 18 states may receive heavy rainfall, including Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and northeastern states.
Uttarakhand faces heavy rainfall, lightning and landslide risks, while Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir remain vulnerable to severe weather.
Delhi-NCR remains cloudy and humid, with light to moderate showers expected despite temperatures reaching around 36 degrees Celsius during afternoon hours.
The monsoon remained active over large parts of India on Monday, August 24, with the India Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several states. Odisha, Chhattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh are facing the most significant weather threat, with an orange alert issued for these regions. Authorities and residents have been advised to remain vigilant as thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are likely to accompany the rainfall in several areas.
The weather situation has been driven by a low-pressure area over and around Odisha and adjoining regions. The system is expected to move gradually towards the northwest during the next 24 hours, potentially increasing rainfall activity across parts of eastern and central India.
Odisha is likely to experience particularly intense weather conditions, with heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in several areas. The state may also witness thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. The combination of intense rain and strong winds could disrupt transport, damage vulnerable structures and cause localised waterlogging.
The monsoon trough is currently extending from Amritsar through Bareilly, Lucknow, Daltonganj and Jamshedpur towards the low-pressure area over north Odisha, the Gangetic West Bengal region and the northwestern Bay of Bengal. This weather configuration is expected to sustain widespread rainfall across eastern India.
Several other states are also likely to receive heavy rainfall. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Bihar, coastal Andhra Pradesh, coastal Karnataka, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, the northeastern states, southern Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Vidarbha and western Madhya Pradesh have been placed under a yellow alert.
Rainfall between 64.5 and 115.5 millimetres could occur in isolated areas. Meanwhile, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh could receive between 115.6 and 204.4 millimetres, according to the forecast.
In Tripura, heavy rainfall has triggered severe waterlogging and flood-like conditions in parts of Agartala. Several localities, including Baldakhal, Srilankabasti, Kathakhal and Bambutia, have reportedly been affected.
National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. According to reports, NDRF personnel have evacuated 1,305 people from affected areas to safer locations. The situation has highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying urban areas to intense monsoon downpours and overwhelmed drainage systems.
Delhi-NCR is expected to remain cloudy and humid, with the possibility of light rain in several areas. Some locations may receive moderate showers from the morning through the afternoon, while isolated rainfall could continue into the evening.
Despite the possibility of rain, temperatures are expected to remain relatively high, with the minimum temperature around 26 degrees Celsius and the maximum near 36 degrees Celsius. Persistent humidity is likely to keep conditions uncomfortable.
Uttarakhand remains another area of concern. Dehradun, Nainital, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable mountain areas.
Landslides, sudden rises in water levels and lightning remain significant risks. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir may also experience rain and thunderstorms, with strong winds posing additional hazards in some areas.
With intense rainfall forecast, farmers have been advised to ensure proper drainage in fields and keep harvested crops in safe, dry locations. Fertilisers and pesticides should not be applied during rainfall. Farmers should also support vulnerable crops such as banana plants against strong winds.
Residents should avoid crossing swollen rivers, streams and waterlogged roads. During thunderstorms, people should stay away from open fields, trees and electricity poles. As the monsoon systems remain active, close attention to official weather warnings and local administrative advisories will be essential to minimise risks to lives, property, livestock and crops.
