Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, MP, Bihar, and Hill States on High Rainfall Watch as Heavy Rains Lavade India: IMD Red Alert for Maharashtra
IMD Issues Red Alerts for Parts of Maharashtra as Heavy Rains Batter India’s Heartland
Maharashtra’s Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts are under a red alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which warns of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected in the coming hours. With the possibility of widespread flooding, power outages, transportation disruptions, and evacuation advisories in vulnerable areas, the alert—IMD’s highest warning level—highlights a heightened threat to life, property, and infrastructure.
This pressing development is a reflection of the intensifying monsoon that is affecting important transportation corridors, rural communities, and urban centers throughout the Indian subcontinent. Today’s weather alerts serve as a reminder of the pressing need for coordinated disaster preparedness and climate-resilient urban planning as the nation faces infrastructure shortages and climate-related challenges.
Maharashtra: Torrential Rains and Red Alert
IMD forecasts indicate extremely heavy rainfall (above 204 mm in 24 hours) accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, putting Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri under a severe red alert. The public has been urged to stay indoors, avoid needless travel, and pay attention to official updates. The state government is keeping a careful eye on river levels and low-lying areas for potential evacuation orders, and emergency response teams have been placed on standby.
Mumbai is still on alert for moderate rainfall and potential thunderstorms over the next four days, even though no red alert has been issued. Particularly in the late evening, lightning and strong winds are possible in places like Thane and some parts of suburban Mumbai.
Delhi-NCR: Showers Offer Respite, But Caution Needed
Throughout the day, light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are predicted for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Relatively cooler temperatures are predicted, with lows of 23 to 25°C and highs of 31 to 33°C. Traffic advisories and resilient infrastructure are essential for the capital because IMD predicts thunderstorms with lightning, particularly in the evening.
Although there will likely be a brief respite from summer humidity due to southerly winds and better cloud cover, residents are cautioned to be aware of the possibility of slick roads and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
East & Central India: Heavy Showers Across Key States
On July 16–17, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar are anticipating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. It is anticipated that these showers will persist in periods through July 19, potentially interfering with daily life, rail traffic, and agricultural operations in a number of districts.
Concerns regarding landslides, river swelling, and disruption of rural connectivity have been raised by the weather department’s warnings for heavy rainfall in Odisha, Sikkim, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal between July 16 and July 21.
Northern States on Edge: Rainfall Extends to the Hills
From July 16–21, the IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rains over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, East Rajasthan, and East Uttar Pradesh in Northwest India. Many districts in the Himalayan states, which are already susceptible to flash floods and landslides, are under orange and red alerts.
On certain days, moderate to heavy rainfall is also predicted for Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, which may have an effect on standing crops and urban drainage systems.
