New Delhi, 8 August: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the monsoon will remain active across large parts of the country on Sunday, 9 August, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in isolated pockets of central, northern and southern India. A newly formed low‑pressure area over south Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha is expected to channel moisture inland and keep rainfall widespread over eastern and central India.
System driving moisture inland
The IMD said the weather system developed on Saturday, 8 August, under the influence of a broad area of circulating winds over the region. The low‑pressure area is expected to move west‑northwestwards, enhancing the monsoon circulation and carrying moisture further into the interior. Forecasters warned that this set‑up would sustain active rainfall through the day on Sunday.
Where the heaviest rain is expected
Authorities highlighted the possibility of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in the following areas. The most concerning prospects for very heavy rain are in parts of Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, while several other states are likely to receive heavy spells.
- Central and northern India: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh.
- Eastern India: Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub‑Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.
- Northwest and north: Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi‑NCR, Himachal Pradesh.
- South and southwest: Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, southern interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep.
The IMD specifically noted that Delhi‑NCR, Haryana and Punjab may see scattered rain on Sunday, with isolated heavy spells possible. Eastern India is expected to remain under a widespread rainfall spell affecting Jharkhand, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds also likely
Alongside heavy rain, the forecast highlighted the possibility of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds over parts of southern and eastern India, including Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Jharkhand. Such convective activity can increase the risk of flash flooding, tree falls and localised disruption to power and transport.
| Region | Expected rainfall intensity |
|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand | Heavy to very heavy (isolated) |
| Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sikkim | Widespread rain; heavy in places |
| Delhi‑NCR, Haryana, Punjab, East Rajasthan, East UP | Scattered rain; isolated heavy spells possible |
| Kerala, Coastal & interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep | Widespread rain; isolated heavy |
The IMD forecast emphasises that the situation will remain dynamic as the low‑pressure area moves and interacts with the monsoon trough and other regional circulations. Local authorities and disaster management agencies typically monitor river levels, reservoir inflows and urban drainage systems during such active spells.
Implications and precautionary notes
Active monsoon conditions with isolated very heavy rainfall can have multiple local impacts: waterlogging and urban flooding, reduced visibility and hazardous travel, landslides in vulnerable hilly terrain, and interruption to power and communications due to fallen trees or lightning. The IMD advisory implicitly underscores the need for preparedness by municipal bodies, road and rail operators, and the public.
“The newly formed low‑pressure area over south Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha is expected to keep rainfall active across eastern and central India,” the report said.
Citizens in the affected states should follow local weather updates, heed advisories from municipal and disaster response agencies, and exercise caution during travel. Farmers and those working outdoors should make contingency plans for crop and labour management during heavy spell periods.
The IMD will issue further updates as the system evolves and as more detailed local warnings are prepared by regional meteorological centres.
