CHANDIGARH, July 1: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intense monsoon activity across large swaths of the country over the next six to seven days, with warnings issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall in both the north and central regions.
Rain is expected to intensify across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, as the monsoon remains active in much of northwest, central and eastern India.
Speaking during an online press briefing, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra urged local administrations to prepare for possible flooding, particularly in central states. “There is a high chance of heavy rainfall in central India and the adjoining southern peninsula,” he said.
This includes east Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha, Telangana, and parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra. “We should monitor the catchment areas of rivers such as the Godavari, Mahanadi and Krishna. Our models show a high probability of above-normal rainfall in the upper Mahanadi catchment, which includes Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh,” Mohapatra added.
Authorities were also asked to closely watch water levels in reservoirs and river systems that could swell rapidly.
In the western region, Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Gujarat — including Saurashtra and Kutch — are likely to witness spells of heavy rain over the week.
Southern states may not be spared either. According to the forecast, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to receive intermittent heavy showers.
Though the IMD predicted above-normal rainfall overall for the month of July, it cautioned that several pockets — including large parts of the northeast, eastern India and the extreme southern peninsula — may see below-normal precipitation.
Still, some northeastern regions may receive heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places during the week, the department said.
“We must take precautions for all river catchments, cities and towns, especially in places like Uttarakhand and Haryana,” Mohapatra added. “This region includes several cities, including Delhi. Many south-flowing rivers originate here, which can pose risks if rainfall intensifies suddenly.”
The IMD’s forecast comes at a time when several states are already on alert, and the risk of flash floods and waterlogging remains high. As the monsoon deepens its grip, officials and residents alike have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols in flood-prone areas.
