IMD issues nationwide rain alert: Red & orange warnings as torrential rains threaten multiple states; Full advisory inside

The monsoon isn’t done yet. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded fresh warnings across large parts of the country, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in the coming days.

From the Western Himalayas to the coastal belts, rain-laden clouds are set to test both travellers’ patience and local infrastructure.

Where Will the Heaviest Showers Fall?

According to the IMD’s latest All-India Weather Forecast Bulletin, the Western Himalayan Region, Punjab and Haryana are likely to see heavy to very heavy downpours before conditions ease significantly later this week.

But that’s not all, a new low-pressure system is forming over the northwest Bay of Bengal and could intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours.

This system is tipped to drench parts of eastern and southern India, including coastal Andhra Pradesh, south Chhattisgarh, south Odisha, Telangana and south interior Karnataka.

The Konkan coast, Goa, the ghats of Maharashtra and coastal Karnataka may even face extremely heavy spells in the coming days. Those with non-essential travel plans might want to think twice before heading out.

Red Alert States on High Risk

The IMD has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. These areas could see more than 20 cm of rain in just 24 hours.

In the Western Himalayan Region, particularly Himachal and Uttarakhand, heavy showers heighten the risk of landslides and road closures. For now, heading to the hills is best avoided until the weather settles.

Orange Alert Zones

Several other states are under orange alert, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, West Rajasthan, Telangana and parts of Maharashtra, along with Goa and Coastal Andhra Pradesh. In Punjab, Haryana and West Rajasthan, intense rain on select days may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, Telangana, Konkan, Goa and Coastal Andhra Pradesh are expected to face very heavy showers until 7 September.

Northeastern and Southern Outlook

The north-east is in for a wet spell too. Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh are likely to experience continuous rain with thunderstorms through the week. Arunachal Pradesh, in particular, is flagged for very heavy rainfall on 4 and 7 September.

Down south, Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka are set to receive isolated heavy rainfall until 4 September. The IMD also predicts light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning across much of the southern belt for the next seven days.

Heavy Rains to Lash Several States

With red and orange alerts across several states, caution is the word of the week. From the Himalayan slopes to coastal towns, travel may face disruption, and the risk of floods and landslides remains high.

For now, the safest plan is to stay put, keep an umbrella handy and wait for the skies to calm.

Inputs from TOI