Red Alert In Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh; IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall in Several States

New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert predicting heavy rainfall in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra over the next few days. This forecast is driven by a deep depression currently positioned over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas of east Rajasthan. 

Red Alert for Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh 

The IMD has issued a red alert for several parts of Gujarat and an orange alert for Thane and Palghar in Maharashtra for the upcoming days. The weather department has also issued a red alert for Madhya Pradesh, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in coming days. 

According to the IMD, the deep depression, which is located approximately 70 kilometers south-southeast of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, is expected to continue its movement west-southwest. The system is likely to impact South Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Saurashtra-Kutch region, reaching parts of Pakistan by August 29.

Similar conditions are expected to affect east and south Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch from August 27 to 29. The coastal regions of Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand are also likely to experience significant rainfall over the next two days.

Strong Winds Expected to Hit these Regions

In its latest update, the IMD forecasted a generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain in Mumbai and its suburbs, accompanied by occasional gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to be around 30 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a high tide of approximately 3.58 meters is anticipated at 4:22 p.m. today, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with a low tide of 1.18 meters at 10:41 p.m.

Strong winds are expected to hit Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with speeds reaching up to 60 kmph on August 26-27. In Gujarat, northern Maharashtra, and the northeast Arabian Sea, wind speeds could reach 55 kmph on August 26, increasing to 60 kmph on August 27 and 28. Rough to very rough sea conditions are expected along the coasts of Gujarat, Pakistan, and north Maharashtra until August 30. The North Bay of Bengal is also anticipated to experience rough seas on August 26.

The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, particularly around the coasts of Gujarat, Pakistan, and Maharashtra, until August 30. Small ships and operators in the exploration and production sectors have been urged to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions.

IMD Warns of Waterlogging in Gujarat 

Residents in the affected areas of Gujarat are advised to avoid waterlogged zones and check traffic advisories before traveling. Farmers should ensure proper drainage in fields and secure their crops. The IMD also warned of potential localized flooding, road closures, and waterlogging, particularly in urban areas. There is also a risk of landslides and damage to horticultural crops due to inundation.

The IMD will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as the weather system progresses.