Monsoon intensifies: IMD issues heavy rain alert in 23 states, landslide risk in hills

Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings across 23 states, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds as the southwest monsoon gains momentum across much of the country.

The southwest monsoon has intensified across India, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds in 23 states and Union Territories.

According to the weather agency, several regions are expected to witness intense rain activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 80 to 90 kilometres per hour. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, falling trees and power disruptions.

Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among affected regions

States under alert include Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The IMD has warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning could affect several of these regions throughout the day.

ALSO READ | Can the monsoon save Mumbai? City's reservoirs drop to alarming 9%

Strong winds and lightning threat

Weather officials have forecast wind speeds of up to 80-90 kmph in some areas. Such conditions may lead to uprooted trees, damage to temporary structures and disruptions to transport services.

People have been advised to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms and take precautions against lightning strikes.

The IMD has also issued special warnings for the hill states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

An active western disturbance is expected to trigger heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning across many districts. The weather system could increase the risk of landslides, flash floods and road blockages in mountainous areas.

Travellers and tourists have been advised to monitor local weather updates and exercise caution while travelling through vulnerable regions.

In parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, heavy rain may be accompanied by hailstorms in higher-altitude locations. The changing weather conditions could cause temperatures to drop suddenly and affect movement in remote areas.

Yellow alert in Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

A yellow alert has been issued for several districts in Himachal Pradesh, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur.

Meanwhile, 35 districts of Madhya Pradesh have also been placed under a yellow alert due to the possibility of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

The strengthening monsoon is expected to bring much-needed rainfall to several regions but also increases the risk of flooding, landslides, transport disruptions and weather-related damage. Authorities are urging residents to stay updated with official forecasts and follow safety advisories as rain activity intensifies.