The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted intense monsoon rains across vast regions of India between July 24 and July 28, 2025, raising alarms about possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions. With heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted over key states including Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of eastern India, the situation demands heightened vigilance.
IMD’s Red and Orange Alerts: A Stark Warning for Coastal and Inland Regions
The IMD has issued critical red and orange alerts for multiple areas, signaling potentially hazardous weather conditions that could severely impact daily life and safety.
Red Alert: Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra are under red alert due to the forecast of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, particularly driven by a strengthening low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
Orange Alert: Mumbai, Thane, and North Konkan have been placed on orange alert, indicating heavy rainfall with possible localized flooding and waterlogging. Specifically, North Konkan is on orange alert while South Konkan is under red alert, emphasizing the differential severity within the coastal belt.
Yellow Alert: Areas such as Palghar and other parts of Konkan are experiencing yellow alerts, indicating moderate rainfall with occasional intensity.
Geographical Spread of Predicted Heavy Rains: Detailed State-wise Analysis
South and West India: Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Maharashtra
Kerala and Karnataka: These states are expected to experience heavy to very heavy rains, intensifying the monsoon impact. The southern states will continue to witness significant rainfall due to the southwest monsoon currents reinforced by the low-pressure system.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Persistent heavy rains are forecasted, especially along the coastal regions, increasing the risk of waterlogging and agricultural damage.
Konkan and Goa: The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, especially in the Ghat areas during the period, exacerbating flood risks in vulnerable hilly terrains.
Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada: Isolated heavy rainfall events are expected, with a sharp focus on Marathwada on July 26, where rains could disrupt ongoing agricultural activities and infrastructure.
Central and Eastern India: Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal
Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh: The IMD warns of heavy rains continuing intermittently from July 24 to 28, with the potential to cause localized floods, particularly in low-lying areas.
Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal: These states are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, with Odisha particularly vulnerable due to its coastal exposure and river basin topography.
Heavy rains at isolated places are expected to persist over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, heightening landslide and flood risks in the fragile Himalayan foothills.
Northern India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Jammu and Kashmir: Between July 24 and 25, heavy rainfall is forecasted, aggravated by a western disturbance currently affecting the region, which is likely to cause disruptions and raise the risk of flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand: Heavy rains will prevail from July 26 to 28 in Himachal Pradesh and from July 23 to 28 in Uttarakhand, with mountainous terrain prone to landslides and road blockages.
Punjab and Haryana: Intermittent heavy rains are expected on July 24, 27, and 28, potentially affecting agricultural and urban areas.
Uttar Pradesh: The state will see sustained heavy rainfall from July 25 to 28, impacting river basins and urban drainage systems.
Western Rajasthan: Heavy rain events are predicted on July 27 and 28, a relatively rare occurrence for this arid region, potentially resulting in flash floods due to poor drainage infrastructure.
Northeast India: Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura
The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning across much of Northeast India during this period, with isolated heavy showers expected in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Tripura. This monsoon activity will bring relief from heat but also increase risks of localized flooding and landslides in hilly areas.
Meteorological Factors Driving the Heavy Rainfall
The monsoon pattern has been influenced by multiple meteorological phenomena:
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying, fueling moisture-laden winds that lead to widespread rainfall across eastern and southern India.
A western disturbance is active over northwest India, particularly affecting Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, causing heavy rain and cooler temperatures.
The monsoon trough line remains north of its normal position, facilitating rains in northern plains including Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.
Regional Weather Alerts and Safety Recommendations
IMD experts have stressed caution, especially for coastal and hilly regions prone to flooding and landslides. Key advisories include:
Fishermen warnings have been issued along the western coast, especially in Maharashtra, due to the turbulent sea conditions expected in the next 48 hours.
Residents of flood-prone districts such as Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg are urged to stay alert, prepare for possible evacuation, and follow local administration instructions.
Urban centers like Mumbai and Thane should brace for waterlogging and traffic disruptions as heavy showers continue intermittently.
In the eastern states, particularly Odisha and West Bengal, vigilance is advised near river banks due to rising water levels.
The northern hill states must prepare for landslides, with travel advisories issued for vulnerable mountainous highways.
State-specific Forecast Highlights
Maharashtra
According to AK Das, director of the Ahmedabad Meteorological Center, Maharashtra can expect normal rainfall levels till July 28, with heavy rains predicted from July 25 to 28 across districts such as Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Mahisagar. The low-pressure system’s influence is likely to cause significant precipitation especially in coastal and adjoining regions.
Delhi and Surrounding Areas
The capital city is slated for heavy rains on July 24, with a yellow alert signaling moderate risk of flooding and urban disruptions. This rainfall stems from the monsoon trough’s northward shift and will bring some respite from the summer heat.
Conclusion: Preparing for Intense Monsoon Impact
The upcoming heavy rainfall phase from July 24 to 28 across multiple Indian states calls for heightened preparedness from both government authorities and citizens. The IMD’s red and orange alerts highlight the urgency of mitigating risks related to floods, landslides, and waterlogging.
With monsoon dynamics influenced by a combination of low-pressure areas and western disturbances, vigilance is paramount. Authorities must ensure efficient drainage, timely warnings, and emergency response readiness, while citizens should remain informed and take necessary precautions.
This phase of heavy rain underscores the vital need for proactive weather monitoring and infrastructure resilience to minimize the adverse impacts of intense monsoon activity across the nation.
