IMD Issues Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Alerts Across North and Western India

Chandani — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:01:07 +0000

Widespread moderate-to-heavy downpours expected across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Konkan-Goa, and Northeast India as monsoon activity intensifies nationwide.

NEW DELHI — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern and northwestern high-altitude regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad.

An active monsoon trough has triggered widespread rainfall activity across central, western, and eastern parts of the country, with thunderstorms and lightning alerts sounded for several southern and coastal pockets.

1. Regional Weather Outlook & IMD Alert Levels

The weather agency has mapped out varying levels of precipitation intensity spanning northern plains, coastal belts, and the Himalayan region:

⛈️ Regional Rain Intensity Breakdown:
🔴 Very Heavy Rain ➔ Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad.
🟡 Moderate to Heavy ➔ Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, East MP, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra.
🟠 Heavy Rain Focus  ➔ Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, West MP.
⚡ Thunderstorms & Lightning ➔ Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Odisha, Rajasthan, J&K.

2. Comprehensive State-by-State Impact Summary

Region / Zone	Precipitation Type	Key States & UTs Affected
Himalayan & North-West	Very Heavy Rainfall	Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad
Northern Plains	Moderate to Heavy Rain	Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
Western & Central India	Heavy to Very Heavy Rain	Gujarat, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, East & West Madhya Pradesh
Eastern & Northeastern	Heavy Rain & Lightning	Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Parts of Northeast
Southern & Island Belts	Thunderstorms & Lightning	Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Forecast Timeline for Active Monsoon Conditions

Key meteorological milestones anticipated across major sub-divisions:

1.Peak Downpours in Mountainous North:July 21, 2026.

Intense rainfall spells hit Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, bringing localized runoff warnings across hilly terrains.

2.Western Coast & Central Plains Spread:July 22–23, 2026.

Monsoon activity shifts momentum toward the Konkan coast, Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, and the National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR).

3.Eastern & Peninsular Revival:July 24–26, 2026.

Rainfall pulses continue across Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and northeastern states alongside isolated thunder activity in the south.

Safety Advisory: Residents in hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir are advised to avoid landslide-prone terrain, while urban centers in NCR and Konkan are cautioned against waterlogging in low-lying zones.