Heavy Rain to Continue Across Several States From August 24; Bihar, Odisha and Central India Face Weather Risks

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued active monsoon conditions across several parts of India from August 24, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in eastern, central, northern and parts of southern India. The latest forecast, issued on August 23, highlights Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and parts of the Northeast among areas likely to experience significant rainfall during the coming days.

The weather activity is being driven primarily by a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. According to the IMD, the system is expected to move nearly northwestwards across North Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal during the next 24 hours. A trough associated with the system extends towards East Uttar Pradesh, while other upper-air circulations are influencing weather over parts of northern and central India.

Bihar to See Heavy Rain and Lightning Activity

From August 24, Bihar is expected to become one of the key areas of concern. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Bihar from August 24 to 26, while fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected over the state on August 25 and 26. The department has also warned of moderate to severe lightning activity over Bihar on August 24, making thunderstorms an additional weather risk.

The forecast indicates that Bihar could continue to receive isolated to scattered rainfall beyond August 26, including during August 27 to 29. Gusty winds are also possible over the state during the broader forecast period.

Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert to the possibility of waterlogging and localised flooding. Farmers have also been advised to ensure effective drainage from paddy, maize, pulses and other standing crops, particularly in low-lying fields.

Odisha Faces Another Spell of Heavy to Very Heavy Rain

Odisha will remain under the influence of the Bay of Bengal system through August 26. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the state during August 24-26, after extremely heavy rainfall was recorded in parts of Odisha on August 23. Heavy rainfall is also likely again during August 27-29.

The IMD has specifically identified the possibility of localised flooding and inundation in low-lying areas. Its flash-flood outlook valid until the morning of August 24 indicates a low to moderate flash-flood risk over several watersheds in Odisha, including districts such as Bargarh, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Sambalpur and Sundargarh.

Agricultural areas could also face waterlogging. Farmers in Odisha have been advised to drain excess water from paddy, maize, pulses, cotton, pigeon pea, banana and vegetable fields and to postpone certain agricultural operations in waterlogged fields until conditions improve.

Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal Also on Alert

Jharkhand is expected to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall from August 23 through August 29, with isolated heavy rainfall likely during August 23-27. Gusty winds are also possible during this period.

Gangetic West Bengal is likely to experience widespread rainfall through August 29, while isolated heavy rainfall is expected on August 23 and 24. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also possible, particularly during August 23-26.

The weather system’s movement from the northwest Bay of Bengal towards North Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal is expected to play a major role in sustaining rainfall over eastern India.

Central India to Receive Widespread Rain

Central India is also likely to see significant rainfall from August 24. West Madhya Pradesh is forecast to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall during August 24-26, while East Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha are expected to see widespread rainfall during August 23-28. Chhattisgarh is likely to receive widespread rainfall through August 29.

Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over West Madhya Pradesh on August 24 and 26, while isolated very heavy rainfall is possible on August 25. East Madhya Pradesh may receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall during August 23-26. Vidarbha is expected to see isolated heavy rainfall on August 24, while Chhattisgarh may receive heavy rainfall during August 26-27, following a period of heavier rain earlier in the forecast.

Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected across parts of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh during the coming days.

East Uttar Pradesh to Remain Rain-Active

East Uttar Pradesh is another area likely to experience continued rainfall from August 24. The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over the region from August 24-27, with isolated very heavy rainfall already expected on August 23. Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is also likely over East Uttar Pradesh through August 25.

The weather activity is linked in part to the trough extending from the low-pressure system towards East Uttar Pradesh, as well as an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the region.

Uttarakhand and Parts of Northwest India

Uttarakhand is expected to continue receiving fairly widespread to widespread rainfall from August 23 through August 29. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely on August 23-24, while thunderstorms and lightning may continue during the broader period.

East Rajasthan is also likely to see isolated thunderstorms and lightning from August 23-26. Other parts of northwest India are expected to receive isolated to scattered rainfall.

Northeast India Remains Wet

The Northeast is expected to remain active through the week. Arunachal Pradesh is likely to receive widespread rainfall from August 25-29, while Assam and Meghalaya are forecast to see widespread rainfall from August 26-29. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to experience widespread rainfall through August 29.

Isolated heavy rainfall is possible across several northeastern states during August 23-29, while thunderstorms and lightning are also expected over parts of the region.

The IMD’s flash-flood outlook indicates a low to moderate risk in some watersheds and neighbourhoods of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, particularly where soils are already saturated.

Southern Peninsula to See Relatively Subdued Rainfall

In contrast to eastern and central India, rainfall activity over much of Peninsular India is expected to remain comparatively subdued over the coming week. However, some coastal and interior areas will continue to receive rainfall.

Coastal Karnataka is forecast to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall through August 29. Kerala and Mahe and Lakshadweep are likely to see widespread rainfall through August 27, while isolated to scattered rainfall is expected later in the week. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, North Interior Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka are likely to receive scattered rainfall during parts of the period.

Heavy rainfall is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during August 24-25. Coastal Karnataka, Kerala and South Interior Karnataka may also receive isolated heavy rainfall during August 23-25. Telangana could experience isolated heavy rainfall on August 24.

Delhi-NCR: Light Rain Possible on August 24

For Delhi-NCR, the IMD has forecast generally cloudy conditions on August 24, with the possibility of very light to light rain at a few places from early morning through the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to remain between 33°C and 35°C during the day and 24°C to 26°C at night.

On August 25, Delhi is likely to see partly cloudy skies with the possibility of very light rain towards the afternoon. Maximum temperatures are forecast at 33°C-35°C and minimum temperatures at 25°C-27°C. On August 26, partly cloudy conditions are expected, with maximum temperatures rising slightly to 34°C-36°C.

Weather Risks and Advisory

The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds can affect road and rail traffic, cause waterlogging and inundation in low-lying areas, and trigger localised landslides and mudslides. Heavy rain can also reduce visibility and affect helicopter operations.

People in areas under heavy-rain and thunderstorm warnings have been advised to monitor weather updates, seek safe shelter during severe weather and avoid taking shelter under trees during lightning. The department has also advised regulating tourism and recreational activities in vulnerable areas.

The IMD has also warned of rough to very rough sea conditions over parts of the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and along the West Bengal, Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh coasts through August 24. Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution in several parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal during the coming days.

Overall, August 24 marks another significant phase of monsoon activity, particularly across Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh and central India. While eastern and central regions face the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall and lightning, parts of southern India are expected to experience comparatively subdued rainfall activity. Authorities and residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain alert as localised flooding, waterlogging and weather-related disruptions remain possible.