The southwest monsoon continued its advance across India on Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides to several northeastern states while parts of northern India continued to endure intense heat and delayed monsoon conditions.
According to the IMD, the weather is favorable for the southwest monsoon to move further into parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and nearby areas within the next two to three days.
But the progress of the monsoon in an erratic manner has brought about contrasting situations in different parts of the country, with floods hitting the northeast and heat wave prevailing in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Floods and landslides wreak havoc in Northeast India
In Arunachal Pradesh, three people died in flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall in Keyi Panyor district, while rescue and evacuation operations continued across several affected areas.
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According to officials, at least ten districts, including Keyi Panyor, Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri and East Siang, have been impacted by floods and landslides. The IMD has forecast more than 200 mm of rainfall in parts of the state over the next 24 hours and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Pexels In neighbouring Sikkim, heavy rainfall washed away a Bailey bridge over the Phee Khola river in north Sikkim's Dzongu region, disrupting connectivity. Several areas in south Sikkim also reported extensive damage due to continuous rainfall.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Assam remained critical, with swollen rivers affecting multiple districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured all possible support from the Centre following a review of the situation.
The IMD has also issued landslide and heavy rainfall warnings for sub-Himalayan regions of West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.
Mumbai sees fresh rain spell as North India battles heat
Heavy rains were reported in Mumbai on Monday, resulting in waterlogging in many low-lying areas and shutting down the Andheri metro line. A yellow warning has been issued by the IMD for Mumbai and neighboring regions for thunderstorms, heavy rains, and gusty winds in the coming two days.
However, in stark contrast to the rain-ridden Mumbai, Delhi had a warm morning in June this year, with the maximum temperatures rising up to 41.8 degrees Celsius and heat index going above 50 degrees Celsius because of humidity. As per weather agency Skymet, if the situation remains favorable, then the southwest monsoon might reach the national capital around July 4.
Similarly, a heat wave was prevailing in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana with Prayagraj recording a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius while Faridkot in Punjab registering 45.7 degrees Celsius.
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IMD has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall activities in many parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan in the coming days, with another western disturbance affecting weather conditions in northwest India starting July 2.
Climate extremes increasingly shaping India's monsoon season
Weather experts say the simultaneous occurrence of floods, landslides and heatwaves across different parts of India reflects the growing unpredictability of monsoon patterns and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
While authorities continue rescue and relief efforts in flood-hit regions, residents across northern India remain hopeful that the monsoon's arrival will bring much-needed relief from the prolonged heatwave conditions.
FAQs
Q1. Which states are currently most affected by floods?
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Sikkim are among the states worst affected by floods, landslides and heavy rainfall.
Q2. When is the monsoon expected to reach Delhi?
According to weather forecasts, the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Delhi around July 4 if favourable conditions persist.
