The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nationwide monsoon alert, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across numerous states through the first week of September 2026. Certain regions, including Odisha and Chhattisgarh, are braced for isolated extremely heavy downpours, with significant implications for agriculture and infrastructure.
Intense Rainfall Zones
Odisha is under an alert for isolated extremely heavy rainfall on August 31, while Chhattisgarh faces similar conditions on August 31 and September 1. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also anticipated over Jharkhand, Bihar, and East Uttar Pradesh during this period. East Madhya Pradesh is expected to experience sustained heavy to very heavy rains from August 31 to September 5.
A well-marked low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and the adjoining North coastal Odisha and Northwest Bay of Bengal is driving this intense weather system.
Delhi-NCR and Northern Regions
For Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi-NCR, the IMD predicts isolated to scattered rainfall from August 31 to September 2, escalating to fairly widespread to widespread rainfall between September 3 and 5. Isolated heavy rainfall is specifically forecast for Delhi-NCR and Punjab from September 2 to 5, with thunderstorms and lightning expected on September 1-2. Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab will also see increased rainfall activity.
Uttar Pradesh and Northeast Forecast
- East Uttar Pradesh: Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall from September 1-6, with isolated heavy rainfall from September 2-6. Isolated very heavy rainfall is possible on August 31-September 1.
- West Uttar Pradesh: Isolated to scattered rainfall from August 31-September 6, with heavy rainfall from September 1-6.
- Northeast India: Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura until September 6. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in several parts, particularly Arunachal Pradesh and Assam-Meghalaya.
Potential Impacts and Warnings
The IMD has warned that the severe weather could lead to significant damage. Standing crops, plantations, and horticulture are vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain. Additionally, vulnerable structures, including 'kutcha' houses, walls, and roads, could face localised damage, posing risks to daily life and economic activities in affected areas.
Western and Southern India
The Konkan and Goa region, along with Coastal Karnataka, are set to experience fairly widespread to widespread rainfall throughout August 31-September 6. Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep will see similar conditions from September 2-4, with additional activity on other days. Southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are forecast for isolated to scattered rainfall during this period.