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New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a stark contrast in weather conditions across the country on Wednesday and over the coming
week, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in parts of eastern and northeastern India, while several southern and coastal states are likely to continue experiencing hot and humid weather.
IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert
The weather office said the southwest monsoon will remain active over eastern and northeastern India, bringing widespread rainfall over the next seven days.
Meghalaya and parts of West Bengal have been placed under an "extremely heavy rainfall" warning. Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the week.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely in Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal during the same period.
Northeast Braces for More Rain
Tripura is expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall until July 16 as the active southwest monsoon raises the risk of waterlogging and localised flooding.
According to the latest forecast from Agartala, rainfall is likely to remain active for the next three to four days, with Agartala expected to receive heavy showers until July 16.
Although rainfall intensity may ease slightly between July 15 and 16, heavy rain is still likely across several districts. The IMD has issued a Yellow alert for Khowai, West Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati and South Tripura districts.
Assam is also expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next five days. Rainfall activity is forecast to intensify from July 15, with thunderstorms, lightning and isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rain likely in several districts through July 18.
The IMD has advised residents to avoid taking shelter under trees or weak structures during thunderstorms and to follow official weather advisories.
North India to See Heavy Rain Later This Week
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Uttarakhand beginning July 15. By the end of the week, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are also expected to receive heavy rainfall.
In Uttar Pradesh, heavy rain is likely at isolated places over eastern districts from July 17 to 19, while western Uttar Pradesh may receive heavy showers on July 18 and 19.
South India Faces Heat and Humidity
In contrast, several parts of southern and coastal India are expected to remain hot and humid over the next three to four days.
According to the IMD, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Odisha are likely to experience uncomfortable weather conditions, while heatwave conditions may prevail over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next three days.
Telangana Readies El Niño Contingency Plan
Meanwhile, the Telangana government has directed officials to remain prepared to implement the first phase of a three-stage contingency plan to minimise crop losses if El Niño leads to delayed rainfall, prolonged dry spells and above-normal temperatures.
The IMD said the southwest monsoon is expected to stay active over eastern and northeastern India over the next several days, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to many areas. At the same time, hot and humid conditions are likely to persist across parts of southern and coastal India, creating sharply contrasting weather patterns across the country.
