Monsoon rains to intensify across east, central and north India as depression forms

A depression forming over Jharkhand and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal is expected to bring intensifying monsoon rains across eastern, central, and northern India over the next two days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts isolated very heavy rain in Odisha, Jharkhand, East Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The Western Himalayan region will also experience heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout the week.

India's cumulative southwest monsoon rainfall was 12% below normal between June 1 and August 12, with East and Northeast India recording the largest deficit. The country received 486.2 mm of rainfall, falling short of the normal 552.6 mm. East and Northeast India recorded a 26% deficit, while South Peninsular India was 19% below normal, and Northwest India 11%. Central India's rainfall is expected to align with seasonal averages.

Isolated very heavy rainfall is anticipated over Odisha and Jharkhand on Friday, followed by East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on August 15. The IMD also forecasts isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the Western Himalayan region each day of the week. Northwestern India may see isolated heavy rainfall during the period. Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab should expect similar rainfall activity on August 15, while West Uttar Pradesh may experience widespread rain on the same day.

East Uttar Pradesh is likely to encounter widespread rain from August 16-20, while central India may see widespread monsoon rainfall in West Madhya Pradesh on August 15-16, Chhattisgarh and East Madhya Pradesh on August 15-20, and Vidarbha on August 15-18. The weather systems could heighten the risk of waterlogging and flash floods in vulnerable regions, especially in hilly and low-lying areas.

The IMD warns of a low to moderate flash-flood risk across various watersheds and neighborhoods in northern, central, and eastern India within the next 24 hours.