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New Delhi/Lucknow/Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major alert for torrential and torrential rain on August 5th in most parts of the country. A strong monsoon system and cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal have caused the monsoon trough to shift northward. As a result, moderate to very heavy rainfall is expected in more than 25 states and union territories. The Meteorological Department has issued an “Orange Alert” specifically for Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the states of Northeast India, advising the public and local administration to remain vigilant against natural disasters such as waterlogging, river overflows, and landslides.

According to meteorologists, increased monsoon winds and the formation of a low-pressure area in the plains will cause significant weather changes in many areas of northern and eastern India over the next 48 to 72 hours. Wind speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour and heavy showers accompanied by lightning are expected during this period.

Orange and yellow alerts for torrential rains have been issued in 37 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The monsoon will be in full swing in Uttar Pradesh on August 5th. According to the latest weather department report, heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for more than 37 districts of the state. Torrential rain is expected in the capital Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and many parts of Bundelkhand. The risk of thunderstorms and lightning remains high in the Purvanchal and Awadh regions.

Heavy monsoon rains are also expected in Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, and Bijnor in western Uttar Pradesh. The IMD predicts that the continuous rainfall could significantly reduce the state’s maximum temperature by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius, providing relief from the humid heat, but potentially worsening waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Monsoon active in all 38 districts of Bihar; heavy rainfall warning in 8 districts

Monsoon activity has fully intensified in Bihar. On August 5th, a warning has been issued for all districts of the state, expecting light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Yellow and orange alerts have been issued for districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Gaya, Ara, Motihari, and Gopalganj, due to the possibility of heavy rain. The capital, Patna, is also expected to remain cloudy throughout the day with intermittent rain.

The Bihar government’s Disaster Management Department has directed continuous monitoring of river water levels. Rainfall in the catchment areas of rivers like the Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, and Kamala Balan could lead to flooding in coastal areas. Local residents have been strictly advised to seek shelter in concrete houses during thunderstorms and to avoid standing in open fields or under trees.

Threat of landslides and flash floods in hilly states

August 5th will be a very weather-sensitive day in the hilly states of North India—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts, leading to the possibility of landslides and cloudbursts. Local authorities have issued warnings to tourists and residents against unnecessary travel on mountain roads and near rivers, streams, and waterfalls.

The weather may also impact the Char Dham Yatra routes in Uttarakhand. SDRF and NDRF teams have been put on high alert due to the potential for debris to disrupt traffic at several locations along the Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri routes.

Rains wreak havoc in Northeast India and West Bengal-Sikkim

According to the IMD’s special forecast, the Northeast Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are expected to experience the most severe rainfall on August 5. Continuous torrential rains in these states have led to flooding in many areas.

Additionally, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for several locations in sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Regional alerts have been issued due to the potential for reduced visibility, landslides on highways, and damage to infrastructure.

Weather condition of Delhi-NCR, Punjab and Haryana

Light to moderate rain is forecast for the national capital, Delhi, and its neighboring areas of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad on August 5th. While there is no red or orange alert for Delhi-NCR, strong winds and drizzle will create pleasant weather. A drop in temperatures will bring relief from humidity. Scattered monsoon rains will continue in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, which is expected to benefit the rice crop.

Advisory issued by IMD and administration for citizens and farmers

In view of the threat of torrential rain and thunderstorms, the Meteorological Department has issued safety guidelines for citizens in the affected areas of the country:

Traffic and waterlogging: Avoid low-lying and waterlogged areas of the city. Drivers are advised to drive slowly, keeping in mind low visibility and slippery roads.

Lightning and lightning safety: Avoid standing under old, dilapidated structures, trees, or power poles during a thunderstorm. Unplug electronic devices and stay in a safe place.

Advice for farmers: Agricultural scientists have advised farmers to maintain proper drainage in fields of standing crops such as rice, corn, sugarcane, and vegetables. Avoid spraying pesticides or fertilizers on crops during periods of heavy rainfall.

The Meteorological Department says that this monsoon spell will persist over the northern and eastern parts of the country for the next few days, after which the position of the monsoon trough is expected to gradually change.