The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for an active phase of the southwest monsoon across large parts of the country, expecting widespread rainfall from August 2 to August 8, 2026. This period will see moderate to heavy rainfall in numerous states, with isolated spells of very heavy rain anticipated particularly in the Northeast and parts of Eastern India.
Northeast and Eastern Regions on High Alert
Very heavy rainfall is predicted for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya between August 2 and 6. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are also likely to experience heavy rainfall during the same timeframe. In Eastern India, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim can expect heavy to very heavy rainfall from August 2 to 5, while Bihar is forecast to receive heavy showers on August 2 and 3. Jharkhand may also see isolated heavy rain on August 2.
Rainfall Continues Across Northwest and Central India
Northwest India will remain under active monsoon influence. Widespread rainfall is expected over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan throughout the week. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to receive heavy rainfall from August 2 to 7, with isolated heavy showers also forecast for Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on specific days.
Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh, is set for fairly widespread to widespread rainfall until August 8. Heavy rainfall is likely over East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha in the coming days, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several areas.
Western and Southern India Also Affected
Monsoon activity will persist in Western India, with rainfall expected over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely across parts of this region. In Peninsular India, Kerala, coastal Karnataka, interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are set to experience rain spells, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next week.
Warnings for Thunderstorms and Disruptions
Beyond rainfall, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, reaching speeds of 30-50 kmph, across northwest, central, and peninsular India from August 2 to 8. Residents in vulnerable areas, particularly flood-prone and hilly regions, are advised to monitor local forecasts closely. Persistent heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging. Commuters are urged to check weather updates before traveling, especially in regions expecting intense rainfall.