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India is expected to receive above-normal rainfall in September, capping a monsoon season that has already caused floods and landslides in several states,
the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Sunday. The monthly average is forecast at more than 109% of the long-period average of 167.9 mm.
Delhi, Haryana Likely to See Heavy Rain
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that heavy rains could trigger flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand and disrupt daily life in south Haryana, Delhi, and north Rajasthan. "Many rivers originate in Uttarakhand. So, heavy rainfall means many rivers will be flooded and it will impact cities and towns downstream. So, we should keep this in mind," he said. Heavy rainfall is also expected in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi river in Chhattisgarh.
Monsoon Withdrawal Delayed
The start of monsoon withdrawal from Rajasthan has shifted from September 1 to September 17, indicating extended rainfall activity. "September is a transitional month when the season moves towards the post-monsoon phase. With the withdrawal delayed, the chances of interaction between the monsoon and western disturbances rise," Mohapatra said. This interaction has caused a slight increasing trend in September rainfall since 1980.
Above-Normal Rainfall Across India
India recorded 743.1 mm of rainfall from June 1 to Aug 31, about 6% above the long-period average. Northwest India saw its highest August rainfall since 2001, totaling 265 mm. South Peninsular India recorded 250.6 mm in August, the third-highest for the month since 2001. Strong interactions between western disturbances and monsoonal low-pressure systems triggered heavy rains in these regions.
Repeated cloudbursts and flash floods have caused damage in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Punjab experienced one of its worst floods in decades due to swollen rivers and breached canals. While the IMD has not observed a rising trend in large cloudbursts, mini cloudbursts - rainfall of 5 cm or more in an hour - are increasing, according to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
The IMD advised residents and authorities to remain vigilant. Past heavy rains in August caused major riverine floods in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, landslides in the western Himalayas, and exceptional rainfall in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Telangana. Authorities have deployed resources to monitor rivers and support flood-prone areas.
Himachal Pradesh on Red Alert
Meanwhile, the meteorological department has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from Sunday through Tuesday.
The forecast includes isolated thunderstorms and heavy rains in Una, Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur.
On Monday, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur, while Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi are likely to experience the same conditions on Tuesday.
Himachal Pradesh has already received 72% more rainfall than usual in August 2025, according to meteorological records.
(With PTI inputs)
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