IMD predicts 94% rainfall across India for August
NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast below-normal rainfall in August across India, at 94 per cent of the long-period average. It also issued weather alerts across several parts of the country, including Kerala, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods and landslides over the next few days.The latest warnings come as several states continue to grapple with flood and landslide risks during the monsoon season. The IMD said monthly average rainfall over India as a whole is most likely to be below normal in August after the country recorded near-average rainfall in July, raising concerns about crop yields and broader economic activity.”Rainfall in August is likely to be below 94% of the long-period average,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the India Meteorological Department, told a press conference.
August outlook raises concerns for crops and economy
The IMD’s latest forecast of below-normal August rainfall comes after a season marked by intense regional downpours despite broadly average rainfall across the country in July. The weather office’s assessment suggests that while parts of southern and northeastern India may continue to experience heavy rain in the immediate term, rainfall across India as a whole is expected to remain below the long-term average during August.
Kerala under orange alert, schools shut in several districts
In Kerala, the IMD issued an orange alert for 11 districts on Friday, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. An orange alert indicates the likelihood of very heavy rainfall ranging between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm within 24 hours at isolated places.For August 1, orange alerts remain in place for Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, while yellow alerts have been issued for several southern districts through August 2.Following the warnings, educational institutions in several Kerala districts were declared closed on Friday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority advised residents in areas vulnerable to landslides, mudslides and flash floods to move to safer locations if directed by authorities. People living near riverbanks, downstream of dams and in houses with weak roofs were also urged to remain vigilant.
Flash flood warning issued for Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, the IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from July 31 and issued a flash flood alert for nine districts, including Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Subansiri, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Tirap and Changlang.Very heavy rainfall of 12 cm to 20 cm in 24 hours is expected at isolated places in Papum Pare district through Saturday, while Lower Subansiri is likely to receive heavy rainfall of 6 cm to 11 cm. The weather office warned that heavy rain could trigger surface runoff and inundation in saturated and low-lying areas and advised district administrations to remain on high alert.The ongoing spell of floods and landslides has already claimed seven lives and affected 1,53,553 people across Arunachal Pradesh. The monsoon has affected 373 circles and 668 villages in 27 districts so far.
Assam and northeast brace for another spell of heavy rain
A fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall has also been forecast across Assam and several northeastern states over the next three to four days. An orange alert has been issued for Tinsukia district in Assam, while similar alerts are in place for Mon, Mokokchung and Wokha districts of Nagaland.
Join conversation
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
The IMD said widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely between July 30 and August 1 across parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Runoff from districts in Arunachal Pradesh, including East Siang, Lohit, Namsai, Longding, Papumpare, Lower Subansiri and Lower Dibang Valley, could affect Tinsukia, Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts in Assam.The Assam State Disaster Management Authority warned that the fresh spell of rain could worsen flooding, trigger urban waterlogging and flash floods, and cause localised landslides, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas. District administrations have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and residents have been urged to avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall. Go to Source
