The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued new warnings for heavy rainfall across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Punjab as the monsoon activity intensifies in northern and central India.
Heavy Rainfall Alerts Across Central India
According to the IMD, several districts in Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, Seoni, Ujjain, Barwani, and Dhar, are under orange and yellow alerts for heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Neighboring states UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan are also expected to experience widespread showers, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.
In its latest advisory, the department warned residents in low-lying and hilly areas to remain vigilant against the risks of flooding, waterlogging, and landslides.
Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh See Excess Rain
Meanwhile, parts of northern India have recorded exceptionally high rainfall levels in recent days. IMD data shows:
• Punjab: 1,272% above normal rainfall
• Haryana: 702% above normal
• Himachal Pradesh: 554% above normal
In Gurdaspur, Punjab, rainfall reached 100 mm in a single day, disrupting daily life and raising concerns over crop damage. With much of the region experiencing rainfall that is 200% above average, officials are preparing for further challenges in agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure.
Climate Patterns Are Changing
Experts note that this year marks North India’s wettest monsoon since 2013, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of weather systems. Areas typically prone to drought, such as Rajasthan and Ladakh, are now seeing rainfall surpluses, while high-rainfall states like Meghalaya are experiencing deficits.
This uneven distribution, meteorologists say, reflects changing climate patterns that are making monsoon behaviour harder to forecast and more disruptive to local economies.
Outlook and Preparedness
The IMD predicts that rainfall will continue across northern and central India for the next week, with heavy showers likely in parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh between August 30 and September 1.
Authorities have urged residents to follow safety advisories, avoid waterlogged areas, and plan their travel carefully. Disaster management teams in vulnerable districts are on high alert, ready to carry out evacuations and provide relief if necessary.
Balancing Agriculture and Urban Needs
While heavy rains bring much-needed water for reservoirs and groundwater recharge, the uneven spread and intensity of this year’s monsoon are causing challenges. Farmers in some states fear crop damage and soil erosion, while cities face flooded streets, traffic problems, and power outages.
The situation emphasizes the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and better agricultural planning as India faces increasingly extreme weather events.
