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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several northern states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, over the next few days. Multiple orange and yellow alerts have been issued amid already record-breaking monsoon activity this August.
According to IMD scientists, strong monsoon currents fed by the Bay of Bengal system are sustaining intense weather activity in the northern belt, with forecasts indicating relief only after September 2. Several states are battling excess rainfall, cloudbursts, landslides, and flood-like situations, with authorities on high alert.
Himachal Pradesh records 15-year rainfall high
Speaking to ANI, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, said the monsoon remained active across the state in the past 24 hours, with isolated locations in Sirmaur, Kangra, Hamirpur, and Solan witnessing heavy to very heavy rainfall.
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"The highest rainfall was recorded in Sirmaur district, at around 140 mm, followed by heavy rain in Palampur. From the evening of August 29 till September 1, heavy rain will continue across the state, with the possibility of very heavy rain in some areas," Sharma said.
The IMD has issued orange alerts for Una, Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur till August 31, while yellow alerts remain in place for other mid- and low-hill districts. Himachal Pradesh has already seen 67 per cent excess rainfall in August, marking the highest in 15 years.
Punjab and Haryana under heavy rain watch
IMD Chandigarh Head Surinder Paul said widespread rainfall will continue across Punjab and Haryana for the next three to four days, with heavy showers expected in districts already inundated.
"There is a chance of heavy rainfall at a few places in North Punjab today, while parts of Western Punjab will also receive moderate to heavy showers. Monsoon activity will continue in both Punjab and Haryana for the next three to four days. Even if rainfall amounts reduce, the situation may worsen because both states are already facing excess rains," Paul told ANI.
An Orange Alert has been issued for North and West Punjab as well as North and South Haryana from Saturday, with authorities warning of worsening conditions in low-lying regions.
Delhi airport issues passenger advisory
The Delhi Airport Authority issued a passenger advisory on Friday, urging travelers to remain in touch with airlines amid IMD’s orange alert for most parts of the capital.
"As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, inclement weather conditions are expected in Delhi. However, flight operations at Delhi Airport are currently normal. For the latest flight information, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines," the advisory said.
Moderate rainfall is expected across several parts of Delhi over the next two to three hours, with residents urged to avoid sheltering under weak structures and to carry umbrellas or raincoats.
Jammu & Kashmir: Floods recede, but disruptions continue
The water level in all rivers of Jammu division dropped below the danger mark on Friday, though relief and rescue operations continued after unprecedented flooding and landslides earlier this week.
Officials said the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine remains suspended for three days, while the Jammu-Srinagar highway and several key roads are closed due to landslides. Rail traffic has also been severely hit, with Northern Railway announcing the cancellation of over 40 trains. Power supply and communication networks remain disrupted in multiple districts.
Uttarakhand cloudbursts trigger emergency response
Cloudbursts were reported today in Bareth Dungar Tok (Rudraprayag) and Deval (Chamoli), trapping families and sweeping away livestock. Rescue operations are underway.
Expressing distress, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "A distressing report has been received that due to cloudbursts in the Bareth Dungar Tok area under the Buskedar tehsil of Rudraprayag district and in the Deval area of Chamoli district, some families have been trapped due to debris flow."
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tewari confirmed that “Two people are missing and many animals have been buried in the cloudburst incident in the Dewal area of the Chamoli district. Due to heavy rain in the entire district, the roads are closed. Relief teams have reached the spot.”
The Alaknanda River in Srinagar has risen near the danger mark, while Chamoli Police issued an urgent warning to residents along riverbanks to evacuate immediately.
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