IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in east, northeast

IMD Forecasts Intense Rainfall in Eastern and Northeastern Regions

IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in east – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for heavy rainfall in eastern India, with a low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the northwestern Odisha-West Bengal coast expected to intensify monsoon activity. This weather pattern is anticipated to bring significant precipitation to the eastern and northeastern parts of the country over the coming week, impacting regions such as Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The IMD’s latest update indicates that these areas will experience a notable increase in rainfall, which could lead to potential flooding and disruptions in daily life.

Monsoon Activity and Regional Impacts

As the monsoon season progresses, the IMD has highlighted that while the eastern and northeastern regions are set for above-average rainfall, other parts of the country, including the northwest, west-central, and southern peninsular regions, may see below-normal monsoon activity. This variation in rainfall distribution is crucial for farmers and urban planners, as it could affect crop yields and water management in different states. The weather agency also warned of scattered showers in central India, particularly over West Madhya Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha, which may contribute to localized weather challenges.

Experts suggest that the low-pressure system could merge with the South-west monsoon currents, leading to an extended period of heavy rain in the eastern states. This is especially critical for states like Assam and Meghalaya, which are already experiencing prolonged wet spells. The IMD has advised local authorities to prepare for potential waterlogging and ensure that drainage systems are functional to mitigate the impact of the downpours.

Regional Rainfall Projections

Odisha is expected to see widespread rainfall from July 17 to 18, with Bihar and Jharkhand also likely to face substantial downpours. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Nagaland may experience isolated heavy to very heavy showers, according to the IMD. Meanwhile, the northeastern states—Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura—will be under prolonged rainfall conditions, including localized intense downpours that could affect transportation and communication networks.

The forecast has raised concerns about the potential for flash floods in lower-lying areas, particularly in the Gangetic plains. The IMD’s report emphasizes the need for vigilance in these regions, where heavy rains could lead to river overflows and disrupted infrastructure. In contrast, parts of central India may receive scattered showers, which could provide much-needed relief to areas experiencing a rainfall deficit.

Weather Warnings and Heatwave Alerts

Alongside the heavy rainfall, the IMD has issued warnings for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds up to 60 kmph in several eastern states. These conditions are likely to affect agriculture and increase the risk of lightning-related accidents. In isolated areas of Punjab and Gujarat, squally winds reaching 80 kmph may occur, prompting caution for residents and travelers.

Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal through July 17. The high temperatures, combined with humidity, will create uncomfortable weather for the population. Meanwhile, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are forecast to remain hot and humid, with temperatures potentially rising above normal levels.

The country has been experiencing a rainfall deficit so far, and the IMD’s monthly outlook indicates July could bring less than 94% of the long-period average (LPA) for the region.

Monsoon Trends and Forecast Accuracy

Analysts note that the IMD’s forecasts are based on continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions, including sea surface temperatures and wind patterns. The agency’s ability to predict heavy rainfall in the east has been critical in helping communities prepare for the challenges of the monsoon season. However, the forecast for July 23-29 indicates that monsoon activity will remain uneven, with some regions experiencing near-normal rainfall while others continue to lag behind.

Recent heavy rains in Odisha, exceeding 21 cm, and very heavy downpours in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar have already influenced the region’s rainfall balance. These events are part of the larger monsoon activity, which is essential for replenishing water reserves and sustaining agricultural production. The IMD’s updated predictions provide a clearer picture of the upcoming weeks, enabling better planning for water management and disaster response.