India’s weather is changing rapidly as the southwest monsoon continues to move across the country. While eastern and northeastern states are witnessing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, several northern regions are still waiting for much-needed relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim due to the risk of extremely heavy rain, while Delhi-NCR is expected to receive the monsoon only in the first week of July.
Red Alert Issued for West Bengal and Sikkim
The IMD has placed Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim under a red alert after forecasting extremely heavy rainfall. Some areas may receive more than 204.5 mm of rain, increasing the risk of floods, landslides, waterlogging, and disruptions to normal life.
The warning comes as the southwest monsoon gains strength and continues to advance across the country.
Heavy Rain to Continue Across Northeast India
Several northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
An orange alert has been issued for these states, with authorities warning that continuous rain could lead to localized flooding, waterlogging, and travel disruptions. Residents have been advised to stay alert and follow official weather updates.
Delhi-NCR Monsoon Arrival Delayed
While eastern India is receiving widespread rain, Delhi-NCR residents will have to wait a little longer for the monsoon.
According to the latest IMD forecast, the southwest monsoon is likely to reach the national capital during the first week of July.
Until then, Delhi is expected to remain hot, with daytime temperatures touching 40°C and minimum temperatures around 26°C. Humid weather will continue, although isolated evening showers and gusty winds may offer temporary relief from the heat.
Weather experts say the delay is due to the monsoon’s slow northward movement despite favourable atmospheric conditions developing over northern India.
Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Expected in North India
The IMD has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and western Rajasthan over the coming days.
Wind speeds may range between 40 and 50 kmph, while parts of eastern Rajasthan could experience winds reaching 40 kmph.
In Jharkhand, isolated areas may witness stronger gusts of up to 60 kmph. People have been advised to avoid open areas, stay away from trees and electric poles during thunderstorms, and take shelter in safe places whenever severe weather develops.
Monsoon to Advance Further Across India
The southwest monsoon is expected to make further progress over the next three to four days.
Favourable conditions are developing for its advance into Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
As the monsoon expands across central and northern India, rainfall activity is likely to increase, bringing much-needed relief from the intense summer heat.
Apart from the northeastern region, heavy rainfall is also expected in Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Konkan and Goa, Kerala, coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and north interior Karnataka. Low-lying areas in these states could experience waterlogging, while isolated places remain vulnerable to flash floods.
Heatwave Continues in Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Despite widespread rainfall in many parts of the country, eastern Uttar Pradesh continues to face severe heatwave conditions.
Some parts of western Uttar Pradesh may also experience heatwave conditions, while Odisha is likely to witness hot and humid weather.
Health experts have advised people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, and limit unnecessary outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, temperatures across Maharashtra are expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius until June 29, after which no major change is expected. Central India may also see a temporary increase in temperatures before a slight drop later in the week.
Fishermen Warned Against Venturing into the Sea
The IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions over both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Wind speeds over the Arabian Sea may range between 45 and 65 kmph, affecting coastal areas of Konkan, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep. Similar rough sea conditions are expected over parts of the Bay of Bengal.
Authorities Urge People to Stay Alert
As weather conditions continue to change across India, authorities have urged citizens and farmers to closely monitor official weather forecasts and take necessary precautions against heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and heatwave conditions.
With the southwest monsoon expected to advance further in the coming days, significant weather changes are likely across large parts of the country.