IMD weather alert: Red and Orange warnings for heavy rain in Mumbai, Delhi till August 20

New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has gathered renewed strength across India, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts for multiple states over the next few days. From the Konkan coast to the northern hills and central plains, several regions are expected to witness heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, bringing with it the risk of flooding, traffic chaos, and landslides.

Maharashtra and Mumbai Region

After a phase of scattered drizzles, monsoon showers have picked up intensity in Maharashtra. On Friday, the IMD declared an orange alert for Mumbai and Thane for today and tomorrow, with rain likely to disrupt daily life. Palghar, under a yellow alert on Friday, will see intensifying rain from Sunday until August 19. Raigad and Ratnagiri are also under orange alert till Tuesday, with rainfall expected to be widespread and heavy.

IMD Mumbai Director Shubhangi Bhute attributed the activity to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and a trough extending to the Arabian Sea. The department has also issued a special red alert for Raigad on Saturday (August 16), forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. The Colaba observatory recorded 45.2 mm, while Santacruz logged 11.5 mm rainfall in 24 hours ending Friday morning.

Telangana and Hyderabad

Telangana is bracing for intense downpours, with the Hyderabad Meteorological Centre issuing a red alert for two days across the state. Several districts including Sangareddy, Medak, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Bhupalpally, and Mulugu are under red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, while orange alerts have been issued elsewhere.

Hyderabad has already seen widespread waterlogging and disruption. Balapur in Ranga Reddy district recorded 89 mm rainfall today, the highest in the state. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has activated control rooms and urged citizens to stay indoors, particularly in flood-prone areas. Emergency numbers have been released for public assistance.

Delhi and NCR

The national capital witnessed heavy morning showers on Thursday, leading the IMD to escalate its warning from yellow to red alert for the day. The downpour caused widespread traffic snarls, waterlogging, and flight delays, adding to commuter woes. More light to moderate rain with occasional heavy showers is predicted for Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram in the next 48 hours.

Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and North India

Monsoon activity remains severe in the Himalayan states. The IMD has issued a red alert in Uttarakhand, warning of extremely heavy rain in Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Nainital, Bageshwar, and Champawat districts. Schools and Anganwadi centers in several districts have been closed as a precaution. Continuous rains have raised river levels, triggered landslides, and disrupted traffic. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Haryana are also under heavy rainfall warnings, with gusty winds up to 40 kmph expected.

Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, the IMD has issued orange alerts for northern districts such as Bareilly, Lakhimpur, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Bahraich, and Gonda, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall till August 15.

Public Advisory

Authorities across states have urged citizens to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from swollen rivers and low-lying areas. With widespread rainfall expected until August 20, the IMD warns of possible flooding, landslides, and disruption to essential services.