IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain Across North India Till August 4, Issues Thunderstorm Alert

New Delhi, July 30 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active monsoon spell across several northern states, warning of widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds until August 4. The advisory covers Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, with authorities urging residents to remain alert as weather conditions are expected to intensify over the coming days.

According to the IMD’s latest All India Weather Summary and Forecast Bulletin, widespread rainfall is likely across Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Punjab from July 30 to August 4. Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail in Himachal Pradesh and the Jammu & Kashmir region during the same period, signalling a prolonged spell of wet weather across North India.

Heavy Rainfall Likely in Several States

The weather department has predicted isolated heavy rainfall in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Jammu & Kashmir throughout the forecast period. Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are expected to experience heavy rainfall between August 1 and August 4, while very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in both states on July 30 and 31.

Meteorologists have advised people living in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, particularly in regions prone to waterlogging, flash floods and landslides. Hilly districts in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir could witness difficult travel conditions due to persistent rainfall.

Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Expected

Apart from heavy showers, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, with gusts touching up to 50 kmph in parts of Jammu & Kashmir during the forecast period.

Strong winds and lightning may affect outdoor activities and local transportation, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid open areas during severe weather conditions.

Deep Depression Driving Active Monsoon Conditions

The current spell of intense rainfall has been linked to a deep depression positioned over central Chhattisgarh and northern interior Odisha. The weather system has moved westward over the past several hours and is expected to continue its journey across Chhattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha before gradually weakening into a depression within the next 24 hours.

Although the system is expected to lose strength, it is likely to continue drawing moisture into northern and central parts of the country, sustaining widespread rainfall over multiple states.

Rainfall Forecast for Other Parts of India

The IMD has also predicted significant rainfall across several regions beyond North India.

West Uttar Pradesh is expected to receive fairly widespread rainfall between August 2 and August 4, while similar conditions are likely in East Uttar Pradesh during the same period. Rajasthan is also expected to witness active monsoon conditions, with widespread rainfall forecast over West Rajasthan from July 31 to August 2 and East Rajasthan between July 30 and August 3.

Scattered rainfall is also likely across western and eastern Uttar Pradesh during the initial days of the forecast period, while isolated showers are expected over parts of Rajasthan through early August.

Central India Faces Intense Rain Activity

Central India is likely to remain under the influence of the monsoon system, with East and West Madhya Pradesh forecast to receive widespread rainfall until August 2. Vidarbha is expected to witness continuous showers on July 30, July 31, August 1 and August 4, while Chhattisgarh may experience widespread rainfall on July 30 and again from August 1 to August 4.

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall over western Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha on July 30, with isolated locations expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall. Eastern Madhya Pradesh may also witness very heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Authorities Advise Vigilance

With intense monsoon activity expected across large parts of North and Central India, weather officials have advised residents to closely monitor local forecasts and follow instructions issued by state disaster management authorities.

People living in flood-prone and hilly areas have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall, while farmers and commuters are advised to take precautionary measures against thunderstorms, strong winds and waterlogging.

The IMD will continue monitoring the evolving weather system and issue updated advisories as the monsoon progresses across the country.