Delhi Rains: Planning To Travel? IMD Issues Major Rain Warning Across Multiple States

Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are set to batter 17 Indian states over the next five days. Is your city on the IMD alert list? Check the latest weather forecast before stepping out.

New Delhi: India's southwest monsoon has intensified, bringing widespread rainfall across several parts of the country. While the showers have provided relief from heat and humidity, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds could create hazardous conditions in many regions over the next four to five days.

IMD Issues Rain Alert for 17 States

According to the IMD, monsoon activity is expected to remain vigorous across north-western and central India. Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for 17 states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and northeastern states such as Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.

The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by winds ranging from 40 to 70 km/h, along with the possibility of lightning. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert.

Delhi-NCR to Witness Pleasant Weather

Following heavy showers earlier this week, Delhi and the National Capital Region are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday as well. The IMD forecasts the maximum temperature to remain around 34–35°C, with cloudy skies and intermittent rain likely to continue on 30 July, keeping weather conditions relatively pleasant.

Rain to Continue in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Rainfall is expected to persist across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar until at least 3 August. In western Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Saharanpur, Noida and Agra, as well as eastern districts such as Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi, intermittent heavy showers are forecast over the coming days.

In Bihar, districts including Patna, Gaya and Muzaffarpur are likely to receive rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. The IMD has indicated the possibility of particularly intense rainfall between 31 July and 3 August.

Landslide Risk in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

Mountainous regions remain especially vulnerable as persistent rainfall increases the risk of landslides and flash floods. Heavy rain is expected across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including Shimla, Manali, Dehradun and Nainital, from 29 July through 3 August.

Authorities have advised tourists and local residents to avoid rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas during this period.

Public Advisory

The IMD has urged people living in affected regions to monitor official weather updates, avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, and take precautions against lightning and strong winds. Travellers are advised to check local weather conditions before planning journeys, particularly in hilly regions where landslides may disrupt transport.

 

1. What kind of weather is expected in Delhi and nearby areas?

According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi-NCR and many other areas are expected to have rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Some districts have been given red alerts on different days.

2. Which states are under IMD’s heavy rain warning?

IMD has said there will be heavy to heavy rainfall in:

• North India: Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir
• Central India: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
• West and South: Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka and others
• Parts of Northeast India as well.

3. What do orange and red weather alerts mean?

• Orange alert: Heavy rain is coming. Travel and daily activities could be affected. Be careful.
• Red alert: heavy to extremely heavy rain is likely. There is a risk of flooding, landslides and major problems. Do not travel unless it is very important.

4. What precautions should I take if I need to travel from Delhi?

• Look at the weather report from IMD and local government advice before you go.
• Avoid areas with alerts and mountain roads (Himachal, Uttarakhand, J&K, Northeast) during heavy rain.
• Check the status of your flight and train using apps or websites of airlines or railways. Delays and cancellations happen often.
•  When driving, stay away from roads with water, drains and low areas under bridges.

5. What should I keep in mind for commuting within Delhi?

• Look at traffic updates and weather forecasts before going to work, school or college.
• Sudden heavy rain and thunderstorms often happen in the afternoon and evening. Try not to go out during those times.
• Be careful near underpasses, lying areas and old drains where water often collects.

6. Is it safe to travel to hill stations during this period?

During rain, hill states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast India face a bigger chance of landslides, blocked roads and falling rocks.

•  It is better not to travel to the hills on days with orange alerts.
• If you must travel, follow the advice from authorities and the state disaster management department.

7. How can heavy rain affect flights and trains?

• Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain can cause flight delays or cancellations at Delhi, Mumbai and hill airports.
• Trains might be. Changed because of flooding, water on the tracks, or landslides.
•  Always check the status using airline or railway apps, websites or help lines before traveling.

8. How can I stay safe during rainfall?

• Do not go out unless it is necessary. Follow any school or office closure or delay notices.
• Stay away from poles, broken wires, deep water, and fast-moving streams.
• During thunderstorms, do not use electrical devices at home.

9. How can I check IMD’s latest weather updates?

• Go to the IMD website: mausam.imd.gov.in and look for alerts for your city or state.
• Reputable news channels, newspapers and weather apps also share updates based on IMD reports.

10. Is this rainfall more dangerous than monsoon rain?

Yes. When IMD gives orange alerts, the rain can be much heavier than normal monsoon rain. This increases the chances of city flooding, waterlogging, and landslides.