Jaipur region, Rajasthan: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued an orange colour warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of Rajasthan for today, while forecasting thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds across several other regions of the country.
Scope of the alert
The Met office warned that intense spells of rain are likely in pockets of the state today. In its bulletin, the IMD also predicted heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning over Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan during the next two days, with similar conditions forecast for parts of north-east India.
Besides Rajasthan, the IMD listed the following areas for related weather activity over the next 48–72 hours: Lakshadweep, North Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal where thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh until 10 August, the bulletin said.
What the warning colour means
An orange warning indicates that residents should be prepared for significant disruption. Local authorities, emergency services and municipal agencies are expected to maintain heightened readiness for waterlogging, flash floods in low-lying areas, and temporary disruption to transport and power supplies.
| Region | Expected conditions | Time frame |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Heavy to very heavy rainfall | Today (orange warning) |
| Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, MP, Odisha | Heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning | Next 2 days |
| North-east states (Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim) | Thunderstorms, heavy rain in places | Next 2–3 days |
| Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh | Heavy to very heavy rainfall | Till 10 August |
Local impacts and likely disruptions
Heavy monsoon downpours can rapidly create hazardous conditions in both urban and rural parts of Rajasthan. Waterlogging and surface flooding are common in city neighbourhoods with inadequate drainage, while low-lying rural tracts and areas close to river channels can face flash floods during intense spells.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds increase the risk of falling trees, damaged power lines and isolated power outages. Lightning accompanying such storms presents a serious hazard, particularly for people working outdoors or travelling on exposed roads.
Practical guidance for residents
- Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and thunder; keep updated with traffic advisories and local alerts.
- Secure loose items on rooftops and balconies to reduce the risk from strong winds.
- Stay indoors during electrical storms; avoid standing under trees or near open water.
- Clear drains and gullies near homes if safe to do so; report blocked stormwater lines to municipal authorities.
- Keep emergency supplies — torch, batteries, essential medicines and drinking water — accessible in case of temporary power disruptions.
Farmers and those involved in outdoor occupations should take precautions to protect livestock and equipment. Urban local bodies and disaster management offices are expected to monitor vulnerable spots and issue targeted advisories where required.
Wider national picture
The IMD's forecast forms part of a broader synoptic pattern bringing unsettled weather to large swathes of the country. Coastal and interior southern regions such as Tamil Nadu and North Interior Karnataka are set to receive thunder and gusty winds, while several north-eastern states and the Himalayan foothills are likely to see sustained rainfall during the next three days.
Citizens are advised to follow updates from the IMD and their respective district administrations for real-time information and emergency instructions as the situation evolves.
Reporting from Rajasthan, Meera Rathore.
