North India Monsoon – Latest Alerts, Forecasts and What to Do

The monsoon season is in full swing across North India and the weather can change fast. If you live in Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal or nearby states, you’ve probably seen sudden downpours, traffic snarls, and a sudden drop in air quality. This guide pulls together the most recent alerts, the short‑term forecast and simple steps you can take to stay safe.

Current Heavy Rain Alerts

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a broad warning for heavy to very heavy rain across Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. In Delhi and Noida, rain hit 27 mm in a few hours, flooding roads and causing power cuts. The city’s AQI improved to ‘satisfactory’ but visibility dropped to under 10 km. A red alert was declared in Noida, and a red‑orange mix is in place for Uttarkashi after earlier landslides.

Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are also on the radar. East Rajasthan could see isolated very heavy falls, while parts of Uttar Pradesh may get scattered showers that quickly turn into downpours. IMD’s forecast shows the monsoon belt shifting eastward, so expect more rain in the next 48 hours, especially in the afternoon and evening.

What to Do During the Monsoon

When rain starts, keep your phone charged and have an emergency kit ready – a flashlight, a few bottles of water, and some basic medicines. If you’re driving, avoid low‑lying routes that can flood quickly. In Delhi, many commuters reported water‑logged basements and gridlocked traffic, so plan extra travel time or use public transport if possible.

Stay indoors during thunderstorms. Lightning can be dangerous, especially in open fields or near tall structures. If you see a flash, wait at least 30 minutes before going outside – the “30‑30 rule” works well.

Check local news or the IMD website for updates every few hours. The alerts are updated frequently, and a sudden change from orange to red can happen if the soil is already saturated. In areas like Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River has overflowed, showing how quickly water levels can rise.

For those in rural or hilly regions, keep an eye on landslide warnings. Uttarkashi has seen an increase in landslide risk after continuous rain, so avoid walking near steep slopes or uncapped irrigation canals.

Finally, protect your home. Move furniture away from walls that could be damaged by water, place sandbags at doorways if flooding is likely, and make sure drainage systems are clear of debris. Simple steps like these can reduce damage and keep you safer during the monsoon.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and remember that the monsoon brings both relief and risk. With the right precautions, you can ride out the heavy rain without hassle.