Monsoon – Dry Weather Expected Across India as Heavy Rain Alerts Continue in Northeast
Monsoon –After witnessing widespread rainfall for more than a week, India is now entering a quieter phase of the southwest monsoon. According to the latest forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall activity is expected to remain weak across large parts of Northwest, Central, Western, and South Peninsular India over the coming week. While many states are likely to experience dry weather, parts of the Northeast remain under close watch due to the possibility of intense rainfall.
Dry Spell Likely Across Several Regions
The IMD has projected below-normal rainfall across the plains of Northwest India, West-Central India, and the southern peninsula for the next six to seven days. In its extended outlook covering the next two weeks, the weather agency has also indicated that monsoon activity may stay subdued over much of the country. Areas expected to receive comparatively lower rainfall include the Indo-Gangetic plains, several southern states, and parts of Northeast India.
Rainfall Deficit Remains a Concern
Official rainfall data released by the IMD shows that India has recorded 219.4 mm of seasonal rainfall against the normal average of 266.9 mm up to July 12. This places the nationwide rainfall deficit at 17.8 percent.
Regional figures reveal that eastern and northeastern states have experienced the largest shortfall, with rainfall nearly 37 percent below normal. The southern peninsula has recorded a deficit of 20 percent, while Northwest India is behind by 9 percent and Central India by 5 percent. Weather experts caution that if the dry conditions continue for an extended period, the rainfall shortage may increase further, creating additional challenges for kharif crop cultivation in several agricultural regions.
Rising Temperatures and Humidity Expected
With rainfall expected to decline across many states, hot and humid weather is likely to become more noticeable during the coming days. The IMD has forecast above-normal daytime temperatures over the Delhi-NCR region, where maximum temperatures may remain around 1.6°C to 3.0°C higher than the seasonal average.
The weather department has also warned of isolated heatwave conditions over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. In addition, Odisha and Tamil Nadu are expected to experience uncomfortable hot and humid conditions during the next two days.
Flash Flood Warning Issued for Assam and Meghalaya
Despite the broader decline in monsoon activity, the Northeast continues to face the threat of heavy rainfall. The IMD has issued a flash flood warning for parts of Assam and Meghalaya over the next 24 hours as persistent showers may lead to rapid water accumulation in vulnerable areas.
The alert covers several watersheds and districts, including Cachar, North Cachar Hills, East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills, where moderate flash flood risk has been identified due to expected heavy rainfall.
Heavy Rain to Continue in Eastern India
Weather conditions are expected to remain active over parts of Eastern and Northeastern India for the next few days. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and several northeastern states during the next two to three days.
East Uttar Pradesh is also likely to receive spells of heavy rain over the next four to five days. Residents in these regions have been advised to stay updated with local weather advisories as rainfall intensity may vary across districts.