Key Points
- The southwest monsoon has begun its withdrawal process from northern India, causing varied weather patterns.
- Delhi-NCR will experience heat on September 20, with a maximum temperature of 36°C.
- A yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued for several districts in Uttarakhand and 11 districts in Himachal Pradesh for September 20-21.
- Uttarakhand has received 70% excess rainfall this season, leading to severe damage and the loss of 30 lives in Dehradun.
- Weather is expected to be clear in Western UP, while Eastern UP may see showers. Conditions in Himachal are likely to improve after September 22.
New Delhi: As the southwest monsoon begins its withdrawal from northern parts of the country, it is creating starkly different weather conditions, with plains experiencing heat while the hilly states brace for heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed the start of the monsoon’s retreat, which will lead to significant weather shifts across the region in the coming days.
Heat in the Plains, Divided Forecast for UP
Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are set to endure persistent heat on Saturday, September 20. The maximum temperature is forecast to reach 36°C, with the minimum settling around 26°C. While skies will be generally clear, the formation of clouds in the afternoon might offer some minor relief from the heat.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh is experiencing a divided weather pattern. According to the IMD, Western UP is expected to have clear and dry weather on September 20 and 21. In contrast, several areas in Eastern UP are likely to witness thunderstorms and rain showers during the same period.
Heavy Downpour Continues in Hilly States
The departing monsoon continues to cause distress in the mountainous regions of North India.
- Uttarakhand: The state remains on high alert as incessant rains cause widespread disruption. The Meteorological Center has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall on September 20 in the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. This year, the state has recorded 70% more rainfall than normal. Dehradun has been hit particularly hard, with 160% excess rainfall, leading to rain-related disasters that have claimed 30 lives, while 10 people remain missing.
- Himachal Pradesh: The effects of the monsoon’s withdrawal are also evident in Himachal Pradesh, where a yellow alert has been issued for 11 districts. The IMD warns that adverse weather conditions with heavy rain may persist on September 20 and 21, with conditions expected to improve from September 22 onwards. Significant rainfall has already been recorded in several locations, including 158 mm in Naina Devi (Bilaspur), 38 mm in Nahan (Sirmaur), and 37 mm in Chuari (Chamba).
