Weather Update: The monsoon has gained full momentum across the country. While heavy rains have brought relief from the scorching heat, the Meteorological Department has issued a rainfall alert for 17 states today, July 20. Weather conditions are expected to remain similar in many parts of the country for the next 6–7 days. Heavy rains have raised concerns regarding waterlogging, flooding, and landslides in mountainous regions.
Rain in Delhi-NCR
Rainfall occurred in Delhi-NCR on Monday morning, providing some relief from the humid heat. Sunday night was the hottest July night in Delhi in the last five years, with a minimum temperature of 31°C recorded. However, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast for today.
Weather Conditions in UP and Bihar
Meanwhile, rainfall is expected across Uttar Pradesh between July 20 and July 25. The Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms and lightning strikes from July 20 to 22, and issued an alert for heavy rain in several parts of the state between July 23 and 25.
Widespread rainfall is expected on July 20 and 21 across almost all districts of Bihar, including Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Purnia. Subsequently, heavy rain is predicted in several parts of the state between July 21 and 24.
Rain Spell in Rajasthan; Risk of Landslides and Floods in Bengal
A spell of rain will continue in several areas of Rajasthan between July 20 and 25. Alerts have been issued for heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds in Eastern Rajasthan (July 20–25) and Western Rajasthan (July 21–24).
There is a risk of landslides and flash floods in the hilly regions of West Bengal over the next two days due to heavy rainfall. Warnings for extremely heavy rain have been issued for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
Red Alert in Himachal and Uttarakhand; Devastation in Jammu & Kashmir! A ‘Red Alert’ for heavy rainfall has been issued for Himachal Pradesh for the next two days. The administration has ordered the closure of all schools today in three districts: Sirmaur, Kangra, and Chamba. Chamba district has witnessed the most severe devastation; the Manimahesh Yatra has been suspended for the next three days due to overflowing streams and landslides.
Uttarakhand is also under a ‘Red Alert’ for heavy rain. Schools in Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal have been closed today.
Meanwhile, Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir has suffered extensive damage. Rivers and streams in Udhampur are also surging following torrential rains, creating flood-like conditions in residential areas. Amidst the overflowing waters, a bridge has collapsed, forcing people to risk their lives to commute. A spell of rain is expected across almost all districts of Jammu and Kashmir from July 20 to July 23, with warnings issued for heavy rainfall and strong winds between July 20 and July 22.
