Red alert in Bengal as monsoon unleashes heavy rain across India

Large parts of India are set for an active spell of monsoon weather over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds across several regions. At the same time, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in parts of north and central India.

Satellite images released by the IMD on Friday showed extensive lightning activity stretching across the country. Lightning strikes were observed over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Red alert for North Bengal

North Bengal is expected to remain under an intense spell of rainfall for the next few days. Heavy to very heavy rain has been forecast for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts.

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The IMD has issued a Red Alert for June 20, warning that isolated locations in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri could receive more than 20 cm of rainfall. Orange Alerts will remain in force in several districts from June 21 to 23, while North Dinajpur is under a Yellow Alert.

The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 30-50 kmph. Waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, poor visibility and possible damage to standing crops are among the concerns.

Storms and strong winds in North India

The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across northwest and central India. The Western Himalayan region is likely to receive widespread rainfall, while eastern Rajasthan may experience dust storms and thundersqualls.

Wind speeds could reach 60-70 kmph in some areas, with gusts touching 80 kmph on Friday. Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh are also expected to witness thunderstorms and strong winds through the weekend. Hailstorms have been forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Northeast and west coast likely to see heavy rain

The monsoon remains active over the Northeast, where widespread rainfall is expected across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Some areas may receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

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Heavy rain is also forecast along the western coast, including Konkan and Goa, Coastal Karnataka and Kerala. In Kerala, rain and thundershowers are expected to continue until June 24.

Heatwave conditions continue

Despite the monsoon activity, the IMD has warned that isolated heatwave conditions may continue in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh until June 24. Similar conditions are expected in parts of Maharashtra, Telangana and Vidarbha until June 20.

Delhi remains under a Yellow Alert, with thunderstorms, lightning, light rain and gusty winds likely during the afternoon and evening hours.

FAQs:

Which districts in North Bengal are under heavy rainfall warning?

Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain.

Is Delhi under a weather alert?

Yes, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for thunderstorms, lightning, light rain and gusty winds.