The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active phase of the southwest monsoon over the coming days, warning that several parts of the country could witness heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The weather agency has cautioned that intense showers may lead to flash floods, landslides, waterlogging, rising river levels and transport disruptions in vulnerable regions.
The warning comes as persistent rain has already affected states including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam and Nagaland, prompting authorities to step up preparedness and disaster response.
Also Read | Will 2026 become the hottest year ever? Scientists explain
Hill states on high alert
Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive widespread rainfall, with districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Shimla and Mandi likely to experience heavy to very heavy showers. Heavy rain has also been forecast for Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Hamirpur, Kullu and Sirmaur.
The IMD has warned that the weather could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and rockfalls, particularly in hilly areas. Waterlogging, reduced visibility, traffic congestion, crop damage and disruptions to essential services are also possible. Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone locations and stay away from rivers and fast-flowing streams.
In Jammu and Kashmir, heavy rain has led to flood-like conditions in Rajouri district, where one person has died and another is missing. In neighbouring Poonch, a house collapsed due to continuous rainfall, injuring several members of a family. Authorities have also suspended the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra as a precaution because of adverse weather in Katra and the Trikuta Hills.
#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Rain lashes in parts of Rajouri. pic.twitter.com/qPQDM7Vr1j
— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2026
Delhi, Mumbai brace for more showers
Mumbai continues to remain under a yellow alert, with moderate to heavy rain lashing several parts of the city. Areas including Andheri, Bandra, Vile Parle, Dadar and parts of the central suburbs have recorded significant rainfall. While suburban train services are operating, speed restrictions at some locations have resulted in minor delays. The IMD has forecast heavy rain in the city until Wednesday and warned of possible waterlogging and traffic disruptions.
Delhi-NCR is also expected to witness a marked change in weather. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely between Monday and Wednesday, bringing relief from recent hot and humid conditions. Maximum temperatures, which touched around 40 degrees Celsius on Sunday, are expected to drop to nearly 30 degrees Celsius by Tuesday.
Heavy rainfall likely across eastern and northeastern India
The IMD has predicted active monsoon conditions over Uttar Pradesh, with widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning expected over the next 24 hours. Lucknow is likely to receive intermittent showers and temperatures are expected to remain below normal.
In West Bengal, North Bengal districts, including Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall over the next two days. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Cooch Behar are also expected to witness very heavy rain.
Also Read | Monsoon tracker: Rainfall deficit shrinks, but regional gaps stay
The weather office has warned of possible landslides, flash floods and rising water levels in rivers such as the Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Raidak. Heavy rainfall is also forecast across several south Bengal districts between July 21 and 23.
The Northeast is also set for continued wet weather. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are expected to receive widespread rainfall. Nagaland, which has already witnessed landslides and flash floods, has announced relief measures following a deadly landslide in Mon district.
More states under IMD watch
Apart from these regions, the IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, Konkan and Goa. Southern states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, are also expected to receive widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The weather agency has advised people in vulnerable areas to keep track of official forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
FAQs:
Which states are under the IMD’s heavy rain alert?
Several states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and parts of the Northeast, are under alert.
What has the IMD warned about?
The IMD has warned of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and transport disruptions in vulnerable regions.
