Key Points
- IMD issues fresh heavy rain alerts over Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Madhya Pradesh today, with risk of thunderstorms and lightning in several districts.
- Yamuna in Delhi dipped below danger mark on Aug 20 but remains sensitive to fresh inflows and rain; authorities continue close monitoring.
- Flood-like conditions persist in parts of UP and Bihar as rivers swell; localized urban flooding and landslide risks flagged by IMD advisories.
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of sustained monsoon activity over North and East India with heavy to very heavy rain likely at isolated places in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh during the next 24–72 hours, followed by gradual reduction thereafter, while Bihar and East Madhya Pradesh are likely to see repeated spells through Aug 24–25 with lightning and thunderstorms at many locations. IMD’s all-India summary highlights continued rainfall over northwest India including Uttarakhand and both divisions of Uttar Pradesh during Aug 21–24, with a risk of very heavy rain in Uttarakhand on Aug 23–24 as the spell peaks. Impact advisories include localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, and occasional visibility reduction due to intense showers.
Delhi-NCR: Light to Moderate Rain, Yamuna Under Watch
Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is expected in Delhi through Aug 21–25 as per IMD guidance for northwest India, which may lead to intermittent waterlogging in vulnerable pockets. The Yamuna level, which crossed the danger mark earlier this week due to high releases from upstream barrages, fell below the danger threshold on Aug 20 and was trending lower with reduced discharge at Hathinikund; however, fresh rain and any renewed upstream releases could nudge levels again, so vigilance continues around low-lying riverbank areas including Yamuna Bazar and Old Railway Bridge zones.
- After two days above the 205.33m danger mark, Yamuna dropped below it on Aug 20 and was expected to decline further below the 204.5m warning mark as Hathinikund discharge eased, though conditions remain dynamic in active monsoon windows.
- Earlier advisories indicated potential for 206.0m based on upstream releases; the system remains sensitive to barrage outflows and local rainfall distribution.
Uttarakhand: Heavy Rain Alert Today; Landslide and Flash Flood Risk
IMD has placed Uttarakhand under a heavy rain alert today (Aug 21) with thunderstorms and lightning likely at isolated places across hilly districts including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Nainital, and Pithoragarh. District-level guidance warns of intense to very intense rain spells in hilly terrain, elevating risks of landslides, flash floods, and road blockages on key corridors; authorities have asked residents and pilgrims to avoid non-essential travel. IMD’s national outlook indicates very heavy rain potential over Uttarakhand around Aug 23–25 as the spell intensifies.
Uttar Pradesh: Heavy Rain/Lightning Alert in Multiple Districts; Flood Concerns Continue
IMD’s sub-division warnings show East and West UP under repeated rain spells during Aug 21–24, with heavy rain alerts for parts of the state and thunderstorms/lightning likely in several districts today. With flood-like conditions already reported in multiple districts this week, additional heavy bursts could aggravate waterlogging and riverine flooding, especially along the Ganga basin and eastern stretches; residents are advised to follow local advisories and avoid exposed/open areas during lightning. IMD indicates heavy rain episodes over East UP through Aug 21–25 and over West UP Aug 23–26 in the broader forecast cycle.
Bihar: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms in Several Districts; Rivers Elevated
Bihar remains in an active monsoon phase with IMD flagging heavy rain on Aug 22–23 in the broader advisory window, embedded within a 5-day spell of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning across the state. IMD’s all-India summary also flags repeated activity in Bihar Aug 20–24, with potential localized flooding and visibility reduction in heavy showers, while river levels especially in the Kosi-Bagmati-Ganga network require continued monitoring as fresh upstream rainfall arrives. Residents in vulnerable riverine belts should heed district-level alerts and travel advisories.
Madhya Pradesh: Heavy Rain Likely in Pockets, Especially East MP
Isolated heavy rain is likely over Madhya Pradesh with repeated activity over East MP Aug 21–24 and very heavy rain potential over West MP Aug 23–24 per IMD’s national guidance. Thunderstorms and lightning are possible at many places, and heavy spells in districts such as Shahdol and adjoining divisions could trigger localized flooding and traffic disruption. IMD’s extended outlook this week continued to indicate heavy rainfall windows over MP in phases through Aug 20–25.
City/District Highlights (Today, Aug 21)
- Delhi: Light–moderate rain; localized waterlogging possible; Yamuna below danger mark but under watch given upstream dynamics.
- Uttarakhand (Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh): Heavy rain alert; thunderstorms/lightning; landslide/flash flood risks along hilly routes; avoid non-essential travel.
- Uttar Pradesh: Repeated spells with thunderstorms/lightning; heavy rain pockets likely in East/West UP across Aug 21–24; flood-prone districts should remain vigilant.
- Bihar: Heavy rain window flagged in IMD advisories (Aug 22–23) within an active spell through Aug 24; riverine belts remain vulnerable; watch local warnings.
- Madhya Pradesh: Isolated heavy rain, especially over East MP Aug 21–24; very heavy at isolated places over West MP on Aug 23–24.
Safety Advisory
IMD advises precautions for urban flooding, low-lying waterlogging, reduced visibility in heavy showers, and heightened landslide/flash flood risk in hills; travel disruptions, intermittent road closures, and power interruptions are possible in affected areas during intense spells.
