New Delhi: India is experiencing a severe monsoon, which has resulted in widespread devastation due to incessant rainfall, landslides, floods and flash floods in several states.
The bad news is that there is little chance of any respite in the next few days, as per India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The numbers are quite revealing.
India recorded 743.1 mm of rainfall from June 1 to Aug 31, which is about 6% above the long-period average.
In August itself, northwest India recorded 265 mm, the highest for the month since 2001, south Peninsular India received 250.6 mm — the third-highest for August since 2001.
In September, too, the country is expected to receive above-normal rainfall, IMD said on Sunday. The monthly average is forecast at more than 109% of the long-period average of 167.9 mm.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that heavy rains could trigger flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, and disrupt daily life in south Haryana, Delhi and north Rajasthan.
“Many rivers originate in Uttarakhand. So heavy rainfall means many rivers will be flooded and it will impact cities and towns downstream. So, we should keep this in mind,” he said.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in the upper catchment areas of Mahanadi river in Chhattisgarh.
Also Read: Fresh Low Pressure Likely On Tuesday; Very Heavy Rain To Pound Odisha Amid Orange Alert By IMD
Extended rainfall activity is on the cards as the start of monsoon withdrawal from Rajasthan has shifted from September 1 to September 17.
“September is a transitional month when the season moves towards the post-monsoon phase. With the withdrawal delayed, the chances of interaction between the monsoon and western disturbances rise,” Mohapatra said.
The hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir have experienced repeated cloudbursts and flash floods, leading to loss of lives and property, and infrastructure damage.
Himachal Pradesh on ‘red’ alert again
IMD has issued a ‘red’ alert for Himachal again, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts from Sunday through Tuesday.
The forecast is for thunderstorms and heavy rains in Una, Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur on Monday, while Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi are likely to experience the same conditions on Tuesday.
Himachal has received 72% more rainfall than usual in August 2025, according to meteorological records.