IMD issues nationwide rain alert: Heavy to extreme rainfall forecast for multiple states

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its latest All India Weather Forecast Bulletin. According to the bulletin, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to persist over the Western Himalayan Region, Punjab, and Haryana, with conditions expected to subside significantly thereafter.As per the IMD report, a low-pressure area is forming over the northwest Bay of Bengal, and is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours. This system is likely to bring heavy rainfall to several parts of eastern and southern India, including coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Chhattisgarh, south Odisha, Telangana, and south interior Karnataka. The bulletin suggests that Konkan, Goa, the ghat areas of Maharashtra, and coastal Karnataka may experience extremely heavy rainfall over the next few days.

If there are any non-emergency travel plans in place, travellers might want to wait for a few more days.

The Western Himalayan Region, including parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, is expected to see significant rainfall, while central and southern India should also brace for a couple of days of heavy rainfall.The IMD has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

These regions are expected to experience intense rainfall, with isolated areas potentially receiving over 20 cm of rain in a 24-hour period. In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Western Himalayan Region is particularly at risk, with heavy showers likely to trigger landslides and disrupt transportation.

Avoid travelling to the hills for now, at least till the monsoon rain subsides. An orange alert has been issued for J&K, Punjab, Haryana, West Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Maharashtra, including Goa and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Punjab, Haryana, and West Rajasthan are likely to see heavy rainfall on select days, with potential waterlogging in low-lying areas. Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra, including Konkan and Goa, may experience very heavy rainfall until September 7.

The northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh are forecast to experience ongoing rainfall with thunderstorms throughout the week.

Arunachal Pradesh is particularly highlighted for heavy rainfall on September 4 and 7, with isolated areas at risk of intense showers.In southern India, Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka are expected to see isolated heavy rainfall through September 4. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across these regions for the next seven days.