Northeast India braces for heavy rainfall as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues warnings for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. This comes on the heels of a cyclonic storm that battered West Bengal and Assam, causing casualties and widespread damage. Let’s delve deeper into the current weather situation and what residents can expect in the coming days.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Northeast India, Yellow Alert for Other States
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, indicating a very high chance of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kilometers per hour. This heavy downpour could lead to flash floods, landslides, and disruption of essential services like transportation and power supply.
Meanwhile, a Yellow Alert has been issued for Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, warning of potential heavy rainfall on April 1 and 2. However, this alert has been withdrawn for some areas.
Here’s a table summarizing the IMD alerts for different regions:
| State/Region | Alert Level | Dates | Expected Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh | Orange | April 1 – April 4 | Heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds |
| Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura (some areas) | Yellow (withdrawn) | April 1 – April 2 | Potential heavy rainfall |
| Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh | Yellow | April 1 – 4 | Hailstorm possibility |
| East Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra | Yellow | April 1 – 4 | Rain possibility |
| Andhra Pradesh (Rayalaseema) | Heatwave | Until April 4 | Scorching temperatures |
| Telangana | Heatwave | Until April 2 | Scorching temperatures |
Recent Cyclonic Storm Wreaks Havoc in West Bengal
A powerful cyclonic storm struck parts of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction. The sudden storm claimed the lives of four people and injured over 100. Strong winds accompanied by hailstorm caused widespread damage to huts, houses, and infrastructure.
Trees were uprooted, and electricity poles were knocked down, disrupting power supply in several areas. The storm also impacted nearby regions like Mainaguri, with Rajarhat, Barnish, Bakali, Jorpakdi, Madhabdanga, and Saptibari being the worst affected. Crops in agricultural fields were severely damaged, adding to the woes of the affected communities.
Heatwave Warning for Parts of Central and South India
While the Northeast grapples with heavy rains, parts of Central and South India are likely to experience scorching heat. The IMD has predicted the possibility of 2 to 4 heatwaves in different areas of Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Karnataka.
Residents in these regions should brace for extreme heat and take necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke. Additionally, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in Rayalaseema until April 4 and in Telangana until April 2.
Weather Forecast for Delhi
The national capital Delhi witnessed a warmer Sunday than usual, with the maximum temperature reaching 35.2 degrees Celsius, exceeding the average by one degree. The IMD reports that relative humidity in Delhi ranged between 85% and 27%.
For Monday, Delhiites can expect partly cloudy skies and strong winds blowing at speeds of 30-40 kilometers per hour. The maximum and minimum temperatures for Delhi on Monday are predicted to be 34 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Staying Safe During Heavy Rainfall and Heatwaves
Here are some essential tips to stay safe during heavy rainfall and heatwaves:
Heavy Rainfall:
- Stay indoors as much as possible during heavy downpours.
- If you must travel, be cautious of flooded roads and avoid low-lying areas.
- Unplug electrical appliances to prevent short circuits.
- Stay informed about weather updates and warnings issued by the IMD.
- Stock up on essential supplies like food, water, and medicines in case of disruptions.
Heatwaves:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (usually between 11 am and 4 pm).
- Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Seek air conditioning or stay in cool, shaded areas whenever possible
