The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across large parts of the country from August 22 to 27, 2025. A storm alert has also been activated for coastal and inland regions, with squally winds and potential flooding expected in vulnerable zones. The alerts span North, East, Central, West, and parts of South India, prompting state administrations to activate disaster response protocols and advise citizens to remain cautious.
Rainfall Timeline And Regional Impact
- August 22–24: Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal are expected to receive intense rainfall. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram will also see very heavy showers
- August 25–27: A fresh low-pressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal, intensifying rainfall over East India and adjoining Central India. Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and East Madhya Pradesh may experience very heavy rainfall during this period
- Western India: Konkan, Goa, and North Gujarat will face continuous heavy rain, with isolated extremely heavy falls forecast on August 25 and 26. Coastal Maharashtra, including Mumbai, may see local flooding and traffic disruptions
- Northern India: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are under alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain through August 26. Jammu and Kashmir may also see scattered heavy showers
- Southern India: Coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu will receive intermittent heavy rainfall, though intensity may reduce compared to earlier weeks
Storm Alert And Wind Warnings
- Squally weather with wind speeds of 40–65 kmph is expected over the Arabian Sea and coastal belts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha
- Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period due to rough conditions and high wave activity
- Urban areas near coastlines, especially Mumbai, Surat, and Visakhapatnam, may experience waterlogging and power outages due to wind damage
Flood Risk And Safety Advisory
- IMD has flagged potential flooding in low-lying areas of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat
- Local administrations have issued advisories for school closures, restricted travel, and evacuation plans in flood-prone districts
- Citizens are urged to monitor local alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and secure household items against wind and water damage
Agricultural And Infrastructure Implications
- Farmers in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand are advised to delay sowing and harvesting activities due to excess moisture and field saturation
- Road and rail transport may be disrupted in regions with persistent rainfall, especially in Konkan, North Bengal, and the Himalayan foothills
- Power utilities and municipal bodies are on standby to manage outages, drainage, and emergency services
Government Response And Preparedness
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed in high-risk zones
- IMD is coordinating with state governments to provide hourly updates and ensure timely dissemination of warnings
- Relief shelters, food supplies, and medical teams are being readied in districts with historical vulnerability to monsoon flooding
Conclusion
India is entering a critical phase of the monsoon season, with widespread heavy rainfall and storm conditions forecast through August 27. The IMD’s alerts underscore the need for vigilance, preparedness, and community-level coordination. As the country navigates this intense weather spell, timely action and public awareness will be key to minimizing disruption and ensuring safety.
Sources: India Meteorological Department, Prabhat Khabar, Business Standard, Newstrack India, Times of India.
