IMD issues heavy rain alert for Delhi-NCR, Gujarat on July 25 monsoon surge
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday, 25 July issued a fresh weather advisory forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple states over the next several days, as the southwest monsoon remains vigorously active. Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, and several other regions are on alert, with isolated areas expected to bear the brunt of extremely heavy downpours.
States Under the Weather Watch
The IMD has flagged widespread rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds for a broad swathe of the country — including Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states. Gujarat is projected to see the most intense rainfall during this period, with isolated pockets likely to receive extremely heavy showers.
In Delhi and adjoining NCR, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected on Saturday, with activity set to intensify from 27 July onward. Cloudy skies, humid conditions, and near-seasonal temperatures are forecast to persist through the period.
What Is Driving the Active Monsoon
The IMD attributed the sustained rainfall to a low-pressure area over southeast Rajasthan and adjoining Madhya Pradesh. This system, combined with an active monsoon trough and multiple cyclonic circulations, is expected to sustain widespread rain across northwest, central, western, and northeastern India over the coming days. This is a classic mid-monsoon intensification pattern, where overlapping weather systems amplify rainfall well beyond seasonal averages.
Flooding and Disruption Risks
Authorities have cautioned that waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic congestion may occur along Maharashtra's coastal belt, where Mumbai and the Konkan region are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. In Gujarat, Ahmedabad and surrounding districts face a risk of localised flooding and disruptions to normal life. Jaipur and several districts in eastern Rajasthan are likely to receive heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy spells, accompanied by lightning.
The department also warned that hilly regions — particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — could face landslide risks, while gusty winds of up to 85 kmph in parts of eastern India may uproot trees and disrupt transport and power supply. Rain and thunderstorm warnings have additionally been issued for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Advisories for Residents
Authorities across affected states have urged residents to exercise caution, avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, and stay indoors during periods of intense lightning and strong winds. Disaster response agencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra have reportedly been placed on standby given the risk of localised flooding. Rainfall activity is expected to remain elevated through at least the next two to four days, according to the IMD.