The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another active phase of the southwest monsoon over large parts of the country, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across eastern, central and northeastern India over the next several days. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh are likely to bear the brunt of the downpour on July 16, while Bihar, Uttarakhand and the Himalayan region are expected to witness intensified rainfall later in the week.According to the latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin issued by the IMD, widespread rainfall activity is set to continue over much of the country as favourable monsoon systems remain in place. The weather office has also warned of localised flooding, waterlogging, landslides and travel disruptions in vulnerable regions, while isolated heatwave conditions are expected to persist in parts of southern India despite the ongoing monsoon season.
Odisha, Chhattisgarh among the wettest regions today
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh on July 16. Odisha is likely to receive the most intense rainfall, with the possibility of isolated extremely heavy spells in some areas.The weather department expects the active monsoon conditions to continue on July 17, with Odisha once again likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall is also expected over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh as moisture-laden monsoon winds continue to feed widespread rain-bearing systems.From July 18 onwards, the focus of heavy rainfall is expected to shift towards Bihar, where the IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 18 and July 20. During the same period, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are also expected to witness persistent heavy showers.
IMD weather bulletin
Uttarakhand braces for another wet spell
The western Himalayan region is likely to become increasingly active as the week progresses. Uttarakhand has been placed under a heavy rainfall forecast between July 20 and July 22, raising concerns over landslides, flash floods and disruptions along mountain roads frequently used by pilgrims and tourists.Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are also likely to experience increasing rainfall activity, although the heaviest precipitation is expected over Uttarakhand.Authorities in hilly regions are expected to closely monitor vulnerable slopes and river catchments as prolonged rainfall can trigger landslides and block key highways.
Northeast India to remain under an active monsoon
The IMD expects the monsoon to remain particularly vigorous across Northeast India throughout the seven-day forecast period.Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, along with Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, are all expected to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall on most days of the week. Several of these states could witness repeated spells of heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of waterlogging in urban centres and rising river levels in low-lying areas.The region has already experienced an active monsoon this season, and continued rainfall is likely to keep catchment areas saturated, increasing the possibility of localised flooding.
West coast monsoon remains active
The IMD has also forecast a sustained wet spell along India’s western coastline.Konkan and Goa are expected to remain under widespread monsoon activity throughout the coming week, with fairly widespread to widespread rainfall forecast on all seven days. Coastal Karnataka is likely to witness increasing rainfall from July 18 onwards, while Kerala is expected to see fairly widespread rainfall between July 17 and July 20 before precipitation gradually eases.
Rainfall likely to remain limited in some regions
While eastern and northeastern India prepare for another wet week, several parts of western and southern India are likely to receive comparatively lighter rainfall.The IMD expects only isolated showers over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Telangana, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu during much of the forecast period.Although rainfall may remain limited, some parts of southern India are still expected to experience uncomfortable weather.
Heatwave continues despite the monsoon
In an unusual contrast to the widespread rain elsewhere, the IMD has warned that isolated heatwave conditions are likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal on July 16.
Flooding, landslides and travel disruptions possible
With heavy rainfall forecast across multiple states, the IMD has warned of several potential impacts over the coming days.Localised flooding and waterlogging are likely in urban areas, particularly in cities with inadequate drainage. Reduced visibility during intense rain could affect road travel, while traffic congestion is expected in several locations due to inundated roads.
Advisory for travellers and residents
The IMD has advised people living in or travelling through heavy rainfall areas to monitor local weather updates and traffic advisories before starting their journey. Motorists have been urged to avoid roads that frequently experience waterlogging, while residents are advised to stay away from vulnerable buildings during periods of intense rainfall.Travellers planning visits to hill stations in Uttarakhand, the Northeast or other rain-affected regions should remain prepared for possible delays caused by landslides or road closures.
