IMD issues rain alert for 18 states (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of widespread monsoon rainfall beginning Monday, issuing heavy rain alerts for 18 states.
The weather department has warned that several parts of northern and eastern India are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds over the next four days.
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According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Odisha.
Residents have been advised to monitor local weather updates as rainfall intensity may increase in several regions.
The weather department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Bihar and West Bengal over the next two to three days. In Uttar Pradesh, both eastern and western regions are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the next 24 hours.
Delhi is expected to witness strong surface winds during the day, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain around 37 degrees Celsius and the minimum near 27 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: Delhi Weather: Heat and humidity to intensify; Know IMD forecast for next five days
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand continue to remain on high alert due to persistent rainfall. The IMD has issued a red alert for six districts in Himachal Pradesh, while Uttarakhand is also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Authorities have warned of possible landslides, flash floods and road blockages in vulnerable areas.
The IMD said dry winds originating from Pakistan temporarily weakened monsoon activity over the northern plains by pushing rain-bearing clouds towards the Himalayan region. With changing atmospheric conditions, monsoon activity is now expected to strengthen once again across several states.
People have been advised to avoid waterlogged areas, remain cautious while travelling and follow official weather advisories, particularly in flood- and landslide-prone regions.
