The Southwest Monsoon is approaching its withdrawal phase, but rainfall activity is expected to continue across several parts of India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions are becoming favourable for the monsoon to begin withdrawing from parts of West Rajasthan around September 19.
Despite the approaching withdrawal, rain is not expected to disappear immediately. Several states are likely to experience showers, thunderstorms and strong winds in the coming days. Meanwhile, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are experiencing humid and uncomfortable weather, with sultry conditions continuing even as temperatures remain moderate.
Heavy Rainfall Warning Issued by IMD
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Haryana, Punjab, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rainy conditions are also likely to continue across Delhi, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and East Rajasthan.
The northeastern region could also receive heavy rainfall, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are also expected to remain under the influence of wet weather.
The IMD has separately issued a heavy rainfall warning for isolated areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala and Mahe, Konkan and Goa, South Interior Karnataka, West Bengal and Sikkim, as well as Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
Delhi Weather: Rain and Strong Winds Expected
Delhi-NCR is also likely to see a change in weather conditions. According to the IMD, scattered rainfall accompanied by strong winds was expected on September 17.
Wind speeds could reach 50 to 60 kmph during this period. The maximum temperature in Delhi-NCR was expected to remain around 31°C, while the minimum temperature was forecast at 24°C.
Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are also likely over parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Uttarakhand. Lightning may occur in some areas, along with strong winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph.
Rain Forecast for Hills and Rajasthan
The hilly regions are also expected to remain wet. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall over parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad on Thursday. Some areas may also experience lightning.
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to receive rainfall until September 22.
During the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain is likely over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Haryana and Punjab. Similar rainfall activity is expected in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and East Rajasthan.
Parts of West Rajasthan may also witness isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms as the Southwest Monsoon moves closer to its withdrawal phase.