IMD forecasts widespread rain in Assam for next 5 days, heavy alerts issued
Synopsis
The IMD has put Assam on alert for five straight days of widespread rain, with heavy spells already dumping up to 20 cm in Kamrup in a single day. With an active monsoon trough and a cyclonic circulation over central Assam, disaster managers are bracing for worsening floods in districts already under water.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Assam for five days starting 20 July .
Warnings of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning issued for isolated locations across the state.
Pandu in Kamrup (Metro) recorded the highest rainfall at 20 cm in the past 24 hours.
Districts including Kamrup , Golaghat , Dhubri , Jorhat , and Sonitpur have already reported heavy to very heavy rainfall.
An upper air cyclonic circulation over central Assam and an active monsoon trough are driving the wet spell.
Disaster management authorities are monitoring flood-prone districts and urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday, 20 July forecast widespread rainfall across Assam for the next five days, with warnings of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning at isolated locations. Authorities have urged residents — especially those in flood-prone and low-lying areas — to remain on alert throughout the week.
What the IMD Forecast Says
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati, moderate rainfall is very likely at many places across Assam during the forecast period. Heavy rain is expected at isolated locations on multiple days, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also anticipated at scattered sites.
The weather office attributed the conditions to the persistence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over central Assam and adjoining Nagaland, combined with an active monsoon trough extending across northern India toward the northeast Bay of Bengal.
Rainfall Recorded in Past 24 Hours
Light to moderate rain was recorded at most places in Assam during the previous 24 hours, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Kamrup (Metro), Golaghat, and Dhubri districts. Heavy rainfall was also reported from parts of Jorhat, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Kokrajhar, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts.
Among the highest totals recorded: Pandu in Kamrup (Metro) logged 20 cm, Kukurmara Mirza in Kamrup received 17 cm, Guwahati Airport recorded 14 cm, Bokakhat and Golaghat each received 13 cm, while Agomani and Kamakhya received 12 cm each.
Flood and Waterlogging Risk
Officials warned that the continuing rain spell may worsen flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable districts already dealing with rising river levels. This comes amid Assam's annual monsoon flood cycle, which typically strains the state's disaster response infrastructure across multiple districts simultaneously.
Disaster management authorities are closely monitoring conditions and have urged residents to follow weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
Public Safety Advisories
The IMD has specifically advised people to remain alert for localised flooding, reduced visibility, lightning strikes, and road traffic disruption as the wet spell continues. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone zones have been asked to exercise particular caution, especially during peak rainfall hours.
With the monsoon trough remaining active and the cyclonic circulation persisting, the weather pattern is unlikely to ease significantly before the end of the forecast window.
Point of View
The gap between IMD's accurate early warnings and on-ground preparedness in vulnerable districts remains stark. With a cyclonic circulation already active over central Assam and the monsoon trough at full strength, the next five days will test whether disaster management has moved beyond reactive response. The districts flagged — Kamrup, Golaghat, Dhubri, Sonitpur — are perennial flood hotspots. The question is not whether they will flood, but whether early warnings translated into pre-positioned relief.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the IMD forecast for Assam in the next five days?
The IMD has forecast widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across Assam for five days from 20 July, with warnings of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations. Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas have been urged to remain on high alert.
Which districts in Assam received the heaviest rainfall recently?
Kamrup (Metro), Golaghat, and Dhubri recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. Pandu in Kamrup (Metro) topped the list with 20 cm, followed by Kukurmara Mirza at 17 cm and Guwahati Airport at 14 cm.
What is causing the heavy rainfall in Assam?
The IMD attributed the wet spell to an upper air cyclonic circulation over central Assam and adjoining Nagaland, along with an active monsoon trough extending across northern India toward the northeast Bay of Bengal.
Is there a flood risk in Assam due to this rainfall?
Yes. Officials have warned that the continuing rain may aggravate flooding and waterlogging in districts already affected by rising river levels. Disaster management authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
What precautions has the IMD advised for Assam residents?
The IMD has advised people to stay alert for localised flooding, reduced visibility, lightning strikes, and road traffic disruption. Residents are also advised to follow weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall periods.
