The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings for several states across India, anticipating heavy monsoon rains in the coming days. The northwestern, central, and eastern regions are preparing for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next three to four days. The IMD has specifically highlighted isolated extremely heavy showers over parts of eastern Rajasthan, central India, and the eastern states. Northwest and central regions can expect heavy downpours during 2-4 August, while eastern India is likely to be drenched on 2 August.
The IMD has attributed the impending heavy rainfall to an active monsoon trough that is expected to persist over the next few days, prolonging the wet spell across the affected areas. The weather agency has sounded a flood alert for regions in the path of the heavy rainfall, warning of potential waterlogging in urban centres and crop damage in agricultural heartlands. This comes after recent severe flooding in cities like New Delhi, Surat, and Pune, as well as cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh.
The IMD has issued red alerts for Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and central Maharashtra for 2 August, indicating a high risk of severe weather. Orange alerts, signifying the potential for adverse weather conditions, have been issued for several other states, including parts of northwestern India, West Bengal, and coastal regions. For 3 August, Madhya Pradesh and central Maharashtra remain on red alert, while other states, including Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, are on orange alert.
In a press conference earlier this week, the IMD predicted slightly muted rainfall activity in August, compared with the above-normal rainfall across the country in July. However, the weather bureau also stated that the cumulative rainfall in August and September, the second half of the nation’s monsoon which is critical for irrigation of standing crops, will be above-normal.
The June to September monsoon season brings in 75% of India’s annual rainfall, watering crops, replenishing reservoirs, and boosting farm income and consumer demand. Over half of India’s arable land is rain-fed and the agriculture sector remains among the biggest employment generators. Last year, uneven rains resulted in a 6% below-normal monsoon season, leading to a decline in agricultural growth. This year, however, above-normal rains are expected to support a 5% farm output growth.
The monsoon rains play a critical role in India’s economy, agriculture, and overall well-being. The IMD’s warnings highlight the importance of preparedness and mitigation measures to minimize the impact of potential floods and other weather-related challenges.
