PUNE: The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued a comprehensive rainfall warning of extremely heavy to very heavy rainfall (red and orange alerts) across several states over the next week. Heavy precipitation exceeding 200mm in 24 hours has been forecast for isolated areas in Madhya Pradesh on June 23, with Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Gujarat expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall till June 27.
According to the forecast, northwest India is set to experience significant rainfall from June 21-27. Heavy showers are expected in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and east Rajasthan throughout the period. Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh are likely to receive heavy rainfall from June 21-26, with intense precipitation likely in UP till June 24. Delhi can expect heavy rainfall on June 22-23.
Specifically, very heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for east Rajasthan (June 21-23), south Haryana and Punjab (June 22), and UP (June 22-23).
IMD has forecast further southwest monsoon advancement into the remaining parts of J&K, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi over the next two days as conditions become increasingly favourable. "The monsoon is progressing towards northern states and is likely to advance to more parts, including Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, with some areas already covered. Delhi and other regions may be covered within the next two days through thunderstorms and monsoon activity," a senior IMD official told TOI.
The weather department has also warned of the potential impact of heavy rainfall, including localised flooding, waterlogging and underpass closures in urban areas. Metropolitan cities may experience reduced visibility, traffic congestion and increased travel time because of waterlogged roads. Pune is expected to see increased rainfall activity from June 23, with light to moderate rain likely.
On the specific weather systems driving this intense activity, the official said, "There is a low-pressure area over the southwest Bihar region, which will move northwestward and gradually weaken by Sunday. But an associated cyclonic circulation is expected to move in a westward direction.
"This system is expected to cause extremely heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions on June 23, and heavy to very heavy rainfall activity at isolated places there till June 27.
"Since this system is over land, areas under its influence are likely to experience significant impact."
The official said, "Around June 25, a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions. We are expecting the westerlies, or monsoon winds, to strengthen over the west coast."
Neha Madaan is a senior feature writer at The Times of India, Pun...
Read MoreNeha Madaan is a senior feature writer at The Times of India, Pune. She holds an M A degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from University of Pune. She covers tourism, heritage development and its conservation, apart from an array of subjects such as civic issues, environment, astronomy, civic school education as well as social issues concerning persons with disabilities. Her interests include metaphysical research and animal rights.
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