Weather Today July 17: Heavy rain alert for Delhi, UP and 15 states; IMD forecast here

The monsoon has turned active once again, prompting the IMD to issue heavy rain alerts for over 15 states. With flood and landslide risks rising, here's what the latest forecast says.

New Delhi: The southwest monsoon has regained momentum across the country, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts for more than 15 states.

The fresh spell of rain is expected to bring relief from humid conditions in several plains while increasing the risk of flooding, waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable regions.

Also Read: Weather Today July 16: Why is Delhi still so humid? Heavy rain likely in several states; IMD forecast here

Low-pressure area driving widespread rainfall

According to the IMD, a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal, adjoining the Odisha and West Bengal coasts, has become active. The weather system is expected to strengthen monsoon activity over eastern, northeastern and northern India over the next seven days.

Odisha is likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall, while neighbouring states are also expected to receive intense showers.

Heavy rain likely in over 15 states

The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and several northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Authorities have warned of possible waterlogging in urban areas and localized flooding in low-lying regions.

Landslide risk in hill states

Continuous rainfall is expected to increase the risk of landslides in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Rising river levels could also trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas.

Also Read: Weather Update: IMD issues rain alert for 18 states; Delhi, UP, Bihar, brace for fresh monsoon spell

The IMD has advised tourists and residents in hilly regions to remain alert and avoid travelling through landslide-prone routes during periods of intense rainfall.

Relief from heat, but caution advised

While intermittent rain is expected to provide relief from heat and humidity in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar could witness prolonged spells of heavy rain over the coming week.

The IMD has urged state governments and disaster management agencies to remain on high alert. People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and follow official weather advisories.