IMD Sounds Red Alert in Gujarat, Warns of Heavy Showers in Delhi, 15 Other States

New Delhi: As the Southwest Monsoon advanced further to cover the entire country much ahead of its usual schedule on July 2, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded a red alert in Gujarat for heavy rainfall and issued a warning for wet spells across many states. 

The Met department issued an orange alert for July 3 in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

“Isolated heavy rainfall very likely over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Kerala & Mahe, Coastal & South Interior Karnataka during 02nd – 06th; Saurashtra & Kutch on 03rd; Gujarat Region during 02nd – 05th.” IMD's press release dated July 2 stated.

The weather bureau issued a warning for heavy showers in North-western states, hinting at the possibility of heavy showers in Jammu and Kashmir over the next three days; in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan until July 6; in Madhya Pradesh until tomorrow and in Chhattisgarh today.

In the northeastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, IMD predicted heavy rainfall until July 6. In Jharkhand and West Bengal, heavy rain and thunderstorms will be witnessed until tomorrow and in Odisha on July 6. 

“Haryana, West UP, and Uttarakhand may receive heavy rainfall. An orange alert has been issued for Sikkim, Bihar, and North Eastern states. Red alert has been issued for sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Gujarat sub-division and orange alert for Konkan region," PTI quoted IMD scientist Soma Sen as saying.

IMD scientist BS Yadav said, “There is a throughline from South Gujarat to Central Madhya Pradesh. The moisture is high because of it. One throughline is going to Mizoram from Punjab through UP," reported ANI. He added," All these states will experience heavy rainfall... An orange alert has been issued for July 3 in 22 districts."