Monsoon Weather Forecast: Heavy showers predicted in these regions; catch latest updates here

As heatwave conditions continue to batter many parts of North India, monsoon season downpour is recorded in several others. 'Heavy' to 'very heavy' rainfall is predicted in a number of regions including sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya over the next three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country's weather office. 

Here is a list of key forecasts of heavy rainfall and weather-related warnings issued by the weather office:

• Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are very likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) on June 18 and 19, 2024. IMD has initiated an orange alert for this region.
• Konkan and Goa are likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) between June 20–22, 2024. The IMD has given it the tag of orange alert.
• Coastal Karnataka is likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) between June 20–22, 2024. The IMD has given it the tag of orange alert.
• Kerala and Mahe are likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) between June 20–22, 2024. The IMD has given it the tag of orange alert.
• South Interior Karnataka is likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) on June 21st and 22nd, 2024. The IMD has given it the tag of orange alert.
• Arunachal Pradesh is very likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) to extremely heavy falls (>204.4 mm) on June 18 and 19 and heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) during June 20–22, 2024. The IMD has given it the tag of red alert.
• Meghalaya is expected to get exceptionally heavy rainfall on June 18th, and Assam is very likely to get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) to extremely heavy falls (>204.4 mm) on June 18th and 19th. The IMD has given it the tag of red alert.
• Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim get isolated heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy (115.5–204.4 mm) to extremely heavy falls (>204.4 mm) on June 18 and 19, and are likely to get heavy (64.5–115.5 mm) to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.4 mm) during June 20–22, 2024. The IMD has given it the tag of red alert.
• The Met Department has also said that the above-mentioned regions of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Assam-Meghalaya, could experience localized flooding of roads, water logging in the low-lying areas, and underpass closures, mostly in the region's urban regions.
• Also, the people could face traffic diversions due to water logging on the roads.
• There are also possibilities of damage to vulnerable structures and landslides, mudslides, landsinks, etc.
• The department has also predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places for the areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal, and Coastal Karnataka.

The IMD also shared advisories about the areas forecast to experience very heavy or extremely heavy rainfall over the next 4–5 days:

• Minor damage to kutcha roads 
• Possibilities of damage to vulnerable structures 
• Damage to horticulture and standing crops in some areas due to inundation 
• It may lead to riverine flooding in some river catchments (for riverine flooding, please visit the web page of the CWC) 

Suggested action:

• Check for traffic congestion on your route before leaving for your destination 
• Follow any traffic advisories that are issued in this regard 
• Avoid going to areas that face water logging problems often 
• Avoid staying in a vulnerable structure 

Although some parts of the country are ready to experience the advancing South-West monsoon, other areas are still going through adverse heatwave conditions.

In a post on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), the IMD predicted heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in many parts of Uttar Pradesh, and heatwave conditions in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand on Wednesday. Also, with these prevailing conditions, problems related to electricity supply and groundwater shortages are also increasing.

Some suggestions to stay safe from the heatwave conditions of the IMD are as follows:

Red alert areas:
There are very high chances of heat illness and heat stroke at all ages.
Extreme care is needed for vulnerable people like infants, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.

Orange alert areas:
High temperature and increased heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to the sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work.
High health concern for vulnerable people, e.g., infants, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.
Avoid heat exposure; keep cool.
Stay hydrated
Drink sufficient water, even if you are not thirsty.
Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to keep yourself hydrated and protected.

Yellow alert areas:
Moderate temperatures and heat are tolerable for the general public, but moderate health concerns are likely for vulnerable people, e.g., infants, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.
Avoid heat exposure.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose cotton clothes.

Now, here's a lowdown about what different alerts by the IMD mean:  

Green alert: No warning or all clear

It signifies that the weather conditions are accurate and people can carry out their day-to-day activities without any problems. This is the lowest level of alert and signifies that no severe weather conditions are expected.

Yellow alert: Watch or beware

The yellow warning signifies that people need to stay updated about the potential severe weather and that the weather conditions are uncertain. While the weather may not be a threat to the general population, people engaged in certain activities may be at potential risk.

Orange alert: Be prepared

The orange warning is the next stage of the yellow warning; it tells us that the weather could potentially worsen, becoming a hindrance to plans and a threat to life and property. People should be prepared for significant changes in weather conditions and ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies, according to IMD.

The red alert: Take action or warning

The red warning is the highest level of weather warning and indicates that extreme weather is expected and the conditions will not be favorable for people. During a red alert, there's a significant risk to life and property, and residents are advised to take immediate action to protect themselves.