Today India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued new warnings for strong winds, storms, and heavy rain in many states. Monsoon has turned severe in India with heavy rains, storms, and flood-like conditions in many regions. Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi-NCR will be affected by gusty winds and intense rainfall.
Delhi Weather Update: Light showers ahead under cloudy conditions
IMD has forecasted cloud cover for the national capital over the following few days. Although it won’t be raining in the capital, light showers will follow. Weather will be beautiful but wet with intermittent gusts.
Heavy Rain Warning in These States
IMD has stated that most states in the coming few hours are in serious condition. Heavy to very heavy rain warning has been issued over Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Storms may be accompanied by lightning and thunder, mostly over prairies.
Many places see worsening flood condition
Many states are already dealing with flood-like conditions which include Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Karnataka (particularly Shivamogga), Uttarakhand, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. With 105 deaths from landslides, floods and ongoing rain, Himachal is hit the most badly.
Risk of Cloudburst and Landslide in Hills
Hilly regions face great danger. IMD has warned of landslides and cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the hill stations of Jammu & Kashmir. Meanwhile, lightning strikes are a threat in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Due to rainfall, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Goa’s river levels are very high.
From June 1 to July 16, India has recorded 331.9 mm of rain- 9% more than the 304.2 mm average. Some locations, nevertheless, have gotten much more than typical. At 595.8 mm, Jharkhand has had 71% more rain than normal. Rajasthan got 271.9 mm rain, 116% more than average shower. Even Ladakh, a dry area, received 15.8 mm, almost double the average 8 mm.
Big rain surges seen in Gujarat and MP
Heavy rain has fallen on Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat. MP received 470.6 mm of rain, 67% above normal. Gujarat got 388 mm showers, 64% more than average. Also Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli too received excess rain.
Monsoon Issues for Economy and Farmers
India’s agricultural economy depends on monsoons. Agriculture sustains around 42% of the people. Monsoon provides hydroelectricity, fills reservoirs, and offers potable water supplies. Though IMD had predicted in May that India would get 106% of the average rainfall this year, all of the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Haryana could yet experience below normal rains.