Key Points:
- Delhi and Uttar Pradesh swelter under 35-37°C temperatures, resembling May-June heat in late September 2025
- IMD issues red alert for western Gujarat predicting extremely heavy rainfall
- Orange alerts declared for eastern Gujarat, central Maharashtra, Konkan, and Goa regions
- Northern states including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab to remain dry
- Monsoon makes surprise comeback in Rajasthan after dry spell, heavy rain expected in Dungarpur-Banswara
- Yellow alerts issued across northeastern states including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha
- Mercury levels expected to rise further in coming days with no immediate relief for North India
New Delhi: India faces an unprecedented weather paradox as North Indian plains battle scorching September heat while monsoons unleash their fury across western and eastern regions, creating a stark climatic divide that has left meteorologists and citizens equally baffled.
North India Sizzles Under Unusual Heat Wave
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are experiencing unseasonably high temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius in late September, conditions typically associated with peak summer months of May and June. This extreme weather pattern has left millions struggling with power outages and heat-related health issues just when they expected monsoon relief.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings that mercury levels may climb even higher in the coming days, dashing hopes for immediate respite. The absence of monsoon activity in northern plains has created a heat dome effect, trapping hot air and preventing natural cooling mechanisms from functioning effectively.
Citizens across Delhi-NCR and UP are reporting severe discomfort with air conditioning systems running at full capacity, leading to unprecedented power consumption. Local hospitals have witnessed a 40% increase in heat-related ailments including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes among vulnerable populations.
Western States Brace for Monsoon Onslaught
In stark contrast to the northern heat, Gujarat and Maharashtra are preparing for monsoon’s devastating return with the IMD issuing multiple weather warnings across severity levels. Western Gujarat faces the highest threat with a red alert predicting extremely heavy rainfall that could exceed 200mm in 24 hours.
Orange alerts have been declared for eastern Gujarat, central Maharashtra, Konkan region, and Goa, indicating very heavy rainfall between 115-200mm. These regions are experiencing the monsoon’s second wind, characterized by intense downpours, thunderstorms, and lightning activity that poses significant risks to daily life.
Local authorities in affected areas have activated emergency response protocols, including evacuation plans for low-lying areas, suspension of fishing activities along the Arabian Sea coast, and deployment of rescue teams in flood-prone districts. Schools and colleges in several Gujarat districts have been ordered to remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Rajasthan Witnesses Monsoon’s Surprise Return
After experiencing dry conditions for several weeks, Rajasthan is witnessing monsoon’s unexpected comeback with the IMD issuing specific alerts for southern districts. Dungarpur and Banswara districts face heavy rainfall warnings, while thunderstorm and lightning alerts cover multiple regions across the desert state.
Yellow alerts span several Rajasthan districts, indicating moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and electrical activity. This sudden weather shift has caught farmers and local communities off-guard, particularly those who had begun post-monsoon agricultural activities.
The state’s water reservoirs, which had reached critically low levels, are expected to receive much-needed replenishment. However, authorities warn that sudden heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in areas with poor drainage infrastructure.
Eastern India Prepares for Scattered Showers
Bihar’s northern districts including West Champaran, Supaul, and Araria are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall as monsoon moisture moves eastward. While not as intense as western regions, these showers provide welcome relief from humid conditions that have persisted throughout September.
Yellow alerts blanket northeastern states including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Odisha, warning residents of thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate rainfall. The region’s extensive river network requires constant monitoring to prevent flooding in low-lying areas.
Agricultural communities in these states view the returning monsoon positively, as late-season rainfall benefits winter crop preparation and helps maintain groundwater levels. However, ongoing harvesting of kharif crops faces potential disruption from unexpected showers.
Climate Experts Sound Alarm
Meteorologists describe this weather pattern as highly unusual for late September, attributing it to shifting atmospheric pressure systems and irregular monsoon withdrawal patterns. The phenomenon highlights growing climate unpredictability affecting agricultural planning, power consumption, and public health preparedness.
Climate scientists warn that such extreme weather variations are becoming more frequent due to changing global weather patterns. The simultaneous occurrence of heat waves and heavy monsoon activity across different regions represents a new challenge for India’s weather forecasting and disaster preparedness systems.
This weather paradox underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies in urban planning, agricultural practices, and public health systems to cope with increasingly unpredictable seasonal patterns. Citizens are advised to stay updated with official weather alerts and take appropriate precautions based on their regional conditions.
