Key Points:
- Delhi-NCR reels under three days of uninterrupted rains; massive waterlogging and traffic chaos.
- Heavy rain alerts issued for UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- IMD warns of thunderstorms and lightning risk in several districts.
- Monsoon’s late surge creates havoc—flood-like conditions in plains, landslide fears in hilly areas.
- Light-to-moderate rainfall likely in Delhi till 30 August, offering relief from humidity but extending wet spell.
New Delhi: The monsoon, in its retreat phase, has turned destructive with heavy rainfall lashing multiple states simultaneously. From the hilly terrain of Himachal and Uttarakhand to the heartland states of UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, torrential rain continues to disrupt life.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded fresh warnings for Tuesday and the coming days, cautioning of more rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Officials say the rains could intensify waterlogging, landslides, and flash flood risks in vulnerable regions.
Delhi-NCR: Dark Clouds and Traffic Chaos
For the third consecutive day, Delhi-NCR has witnessed heavy downpours. At times, skies turn pitch dark in broad daylight before sudden cloudbursts drench the city.
- Severe waterlogging has converted roads into mini-lakes in areas like Moti Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, and Gurugram, paralyzing traffic.
- Commuters stuck for hours in jams, while authorities struggled with drainage responses.
- Delhiites, while relieved from the scorching humidity of earlier weeks, now anxiously ask: When will the rain fury stop?
IMD Forecast for Delhi:
Light to moderate showers will continue from 26–30 August, keeping weather cooler but travel difficult.
Uttar Pradesh: Heavy Rain Threat in Multiple Districts
The Lucknow Meteorological Office has issued a red alert for heavy rains today across several western and central UP districts, including:
- Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Saharanpur, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Shahjahanpur, Bahraich, Siddharthnagar, and Shravasti. Thunderstorm and lightning danger also looms, prompting authorities to alert villagers, farmers, and commuters in rural belts. Schools in some districts may shift to online classes if rainfall continues.
Bihar: Thunder and Torrents in Eastern Belt
In Bihar, heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms has been predicted for northern and eastern districts.
- Affected areas include: West Champaran, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Purnia, Madhepura, Gopalganj, Siwan, Gaya, Aurangabad, Kishanganj, and Katihar.
- Lightning strikes are a major risk; the Disaster Management Authority has issued helpline numbers and urged caution during outdoor farming or cattle grazing.
Bihar has seen a spike in lightning-related casualties in recent years, adding urgency to IMD warnings.
Madhya Pradesh: Torrential Rains on Horizon
Heavy rainfall is also anticipated in central and eastern MP, with alerts for:
- Shivpur Kala, Umaria, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Agar Malwa, Dindori, Shahdol, and Anuppur.
- Flood-prone river belts near Narmada and Betwa may witness rising water levels.
Local officials fear crops in low-lying agricultural fields could be damaged if the downpour lasts beyond two days.
Uttarakhand & Himachal: Landslide Worries
Meanwhile in the hill states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the relentless monsoon is raising landslide risks in districts like Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Shimla, and Kangra. Authorities have advised tourists to avoid hiking trails and warned residents near riversides.
National Highway blockades due to rock slides have worsened connectivity, stranding bus services in upper hill routes.
Outlook: Relief Turns Hazard
While the late monsoon burst has cooled temperatures across northern India, the heavy rainfall spell has created urban flooding, crop damage threats, and transport disruption.
Disaster management teams remain on standby across affected states. Citizens have been urged to follow IMD advisories closely, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay indoors during thunderstorms.
