Monsoon Update: IMD predicts heavy rainfall in several regions

With the South-West monsoon gathering steam in India, several regions of the country received downpours while others were forecast to receive extreme weather conditions.

Heavy rains have led to waterlogging in several urban areas, affecting traffic and daily life.

The Delhi traffic police have issued advisories to help manage congestion due to flooded roads.

In Kerala, authorities have raised dam shutters in anticipation of further rainfall and potential flooding.

Local governments and disaster management agencies are on high alert, issuing advisories and taking precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

Here's a comprehensive summary of various updates on the ongoing monsoon season in India, as of July 15.
 

Rainfall warnings and alerts:

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal
On July 15, heavy rain is forecasted in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Citizens are advised to remain cautious due to the potential for localised flooding.

Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal and the south Odisha coast has resulted in expected heavy rainfall in the Kota and Udaipur divisions. The meteorological department predicts rain activity to continue for the next four to five days, with an increase in rainfall expected on July 17 and 18. Similarly, rain activity is likely to continue in some parts of the Jodhpur division of western Rajasthan in the coming days. There is a possibility of an increase in rain activity at many places in Jodhpur and Bikaner divisions from July 17 to 19 and heavy rain at some places on July 18.

Himachal Pradesh
The meteorological department has issued a yellow alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh, anticipating heavy rains on July 17-18. Intermittent rainfall has already caused significant damage with highest rain recorded in Sundernagar at 36.8 mm, followed by Mandi at 16.6 mm, Pandoh at 12 mm, Poanta Sahib at 8.2 mm, Karsog at 8.1 mm, Gohar at 7 mm, Baggi at 5.7 mm, Slapper at 4.5 mm, Solan at 4.4 mm and Kufri at 4 mm. , with losses reported at Rs 177 crores and 25 fatalities attributed to rain-related incidents since the monsoon's onset on June 27.

Karnataka
Karnataka is bracing for active to vigorous rainfall until July 16, prompting the Uttara Kannada district to declare a holiday for schools and colleges. .Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Dandeli and Joida taluks on Monday are currently under a red alert due to expected rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. The rainfall is attributed to an offshore trough along the coast and cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, citing 'red alert' issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Kabini reservoir is put on red alert with storage levels increasing above 85 per cent. The water level in all six dams and barrages are likely to be regulated by the authorities when deemed necessary to avoid downstream flooding and upstream submergence.

Delhi
Delhi experienced rainfall on the morning of July 15, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Commuters are  facing significant delays due to flooded roads and are sharing their woes on X.

Kerala
Kerala continues to face incessant heavy rainfall, leading to the declaration of a holiday for educational institutions in seven districts. Strong winds and thunderstorms have caused widespread disruptions, including uprooted trees and flooding.

Authorities have issued alerts for possible flooding and advised caution to residents in vulnerable areas.

The IMD has already issued a red alert for Monday in northern Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts and placed Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts under an orange alert.

Odisha
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in Odisha till July 19 due to low pressure over Bay of Bengal  According to the weather agency, heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20cm) may take place at one or two places in Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Rayagada on July 15 due to a low-pressure zone northwest of the west-central Bay of Bengal, off the South Odisha coast.

Additionally, areas like Nuapada, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Balangir may experience heavy rainfall (7 to 11cm), accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some places across north interior Odisha, Sonepur, Boudh, and coastal regions.

The IMD has issued warnings for July 19, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Koraput and Malkangiri, with heavy rains likely in Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal districts.

Additionally, the IMD has advised fishermen against venturing into the sea off the south Odisha coast and northwest adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal from July 15 to 16, due to squally weather and gusty winds expected to reach 40 to 50 kmph.