The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide weather alert warning of torrential rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across several states on Monday as the southwest monsoon remains active over large parts of the country.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, the next 14 hours are expected to be particularly critical, with heavy rain and severe weather likely to affect several regions.
IMD warns of heavy rain and strong winds
The weather department said wind speeds could reach up to 80 kmph in some areas, increasing the risk of uprooted trees, power outages, traffic disruptions and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The IMD has advised farmers, travellers and people living near rivers and coastal regions to remain vigilant. Residents in hilly states have also been warned about the possibility of landslides and sudden rises in river water levels due to persistent rainfall.
Heavy rainfall likely across north India
The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand throughout the week.
Rainfall activity is also expected to intensify over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan from Monday, with several areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall during the week.
In addition to heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected in parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. The weather department has advised people to avoid open spaces during adverse weather conditions.
Odisha likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall
Eastern India is also expected to witness intense monsoon activity over the coming days.
According to the IMD, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Jharkhand and Bihar are likely to receive widespread rainfall.
Among these states, Odisha is expected to experience the most intense spell, with heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated extremely heavy rainfall on July 27.
Jharkhand is also likely to receive heavy rainfall, while rainfall activity is expected to increase across Bihar during the week.
Public advised to remain cautious
The IMD has urged state authorities to remain on alert and advised the public to closely follow official weather advisories.
People have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and take precautions in flood-prone, waterlogged and landslide-prone areas.
(With inputs from IANS)
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