The weather is changing once again across the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds in 12 states for July 17.
Wind speeds of 60 to 80 kmph are expected in several regions. According to the IMD, the monsoon is likely to become active again in northwest India from July 20, which could further increase rainfall activity.
Why Is the Weather Changing?
According to the IMD, a deep low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha-West Bengal coast.
This weather system is becoming stronger and is bringing rainfall from eastern India towards northern India.
In addition, a new western disturbance is expected to become active from July 19. This may further increase rainfall in both the Himalayan region and the northern plains.
Delhi-NCR Likely to Receive Rain and Thunderstorms
Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad are expected to witness partly cloudy skies on July 17 and 18. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms may occur during the evening hours.
Strong winds of 50 to 60 kmph are also expected. The maximum temperature is likely to remain between 38°C and 40°C, while the minimum temperature may stay between 28°C and 30°C.
Rain Alert for Several Districts in Uttar Pradesh
The IMD has issued warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Deoria, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Aligarh, Mathura, Agra, Ghaziabad, Kushinagar, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
People have been advised to stay indoors during bad weather and avoid unnecessary travel.
Heavy Rain Expected in Bihar and Jharkhand
Heavy rain along with strong winds of up to 60 kmph is likely in Gaya, Aurangabad, Siwan, Bhojpur, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Patna, Kaimur, Buxar, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Araria, and Munger in Bihar.
In Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Simdega, Khunti, Dumka, Deoghar, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, and Palamu may receive rain accompanied by strong winds of 70 to 80 kmph.
Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir Also on Alert
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Solan, and Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh.
In Jammu and Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms are likely in Jammu, Poonch, Kulgam, Kathua, Kishtwar, Anantnag, and Udhampur.
Heavy Rain Warning for West Bengal and Punjab
West Bengal may receive heavy rain along with strong winds of up to 60 kmph in Kolkata, Howrah, Purba Bardhaman, Bankura, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Malda, and Murshidabad.
Punjab is also under alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Barnala, Pathankot, Faridkot, Hoshiarpur, and Sangrur.
Weather Forecast for Rajasthan
Light to moderate rain is expected in Alwar, Dausa, Bharatpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Shahpura, Phalodi, and Churu.
These districts may also experience strong winds of 30 to 40 kmph. Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops.
Yellow Alert Issued in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
A yellow alert has been issued for Chhindwara, Narmadapuram, Betul, Balaghat, Shahdol, Khargone, Mandla, Dewas, Raisen, Panna, Damoh, Neemuch, Vidisha, Seoni, Khandwa, Chhatarpur, and Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh.
These districts may receive rain along with strong winds of up to 55 kmph. Heavy rainfall is also expected in several parts of Chhattisgarh.
Rain to Continue in Northeast India
Light to heavy rainfall is expected to continue over Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next few days.
The IMD has also warned of an increased risk of waterlogging and landslides in several areas.
Weather in Gujarat, Maharashtra and South India
Konkan and Goa are expected to continue receiving good rainfall.
Light to moderate rain is likely in Gujarat, Central Maharashtra, and Marathwada. Parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are also expected to receive light rain.
Monsoon to Become Active Again From July 20
According to the IMD, the monsoon is expected to become active again in northwest India from July 20.
As a result, rainfall may increase in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and nearby hilly states. This is likely to provide much-needed relief to farmers who have been waiting for rain.
IMD’s Important Advice for Farmers
The IMD has advised farmers in heavy rainfall areas to maintain proper drainage in their fields.
Farmers should avoid spraying fertilizers and pesticides during rainy weather. Those with crops ready for harvest should store them safely to protect them from rain damage.
Livestock owners have also been advised not to keep animals in open areas and to shift them to secure sheds.
ICAR has also advised farmers to adopt the correct method of direct paddy sowing, as it can help achieve better crop yields while using less water.
Fishermen Advised Not to Venture Into the Sea
The IMD has warned that strong winds and high waves are expected in the Bay of Bengal and nearby waters until July 18.
Fishermen have been advised not to go into the sea during this period. People living in coastal areas have also been urged to stay alert and follow all instructions issued by the local administration.
