IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert for Jharkhand, Odisha, and WB; Coastal Areas to Face Strong Winds

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several states, including Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and isolated regions in Chhattisgarh. Areas like Himachal Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal are also expected to experience isolated heavy showers over the next few days.

A deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal is slowly moving west-northwest at a speed of 8 km/h. As of 8:30 AM IST on September 16, 2024, it is centered near 23.1° N and 86.7° E, about 40 km southeast of Purulia (West Bengal) and 60 km east-northeast of Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). This system is expected to weaken into a depression in the next 12 hours as it continues to move towards Jharkhand and North Chhattisgarh.

The monsoon trough, a key weather pattern, is also playing a crucial role, with its western end positioned north of its usual course.

Forecast for Various Regions

West & Central India

• Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Konkan & Goa: Widespread light to moderate rainfall is expected.

• Chhattisgarh & Gujarat: Scattered light to moderate rain is likely.

• East Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh: Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecasted for September 16 and 17.

• West Madhya Pradesh: Likely to see heavy rains on September 17 and 18.

East & Northeast India

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Expect fairly widespread rain throughout the week.

• Jharkhand: Extremely heavy rainfall is likely on September 16, followed by very heavy rain on September 17.

• Odisha: Heavy rainfall is expected on both September 16 and 17.

• Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura: Heavy showers are forecasted for September 18 and 19.

Northwest India

• Uttar Pradesh: Isolated heavy rainfall is likely in both East and West Uttar Pradesh from September 16 to 18.

• Uttarakhand & Rajasthan: Heavy showers are expected between September 17 and 19.

South Peninsular India

• Scattered light to moderate rainfall is forecasted throughout the region during the week.

Strong winds, reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h and gusting up to 70 km/h, are expected along the coasts of West Bengal and North Odisha, as well as the northern Bay of Bengal. These winds are likely to continue for the next six hours and then decrease to 40-50 km/h by 5:30 PM IST on September 16.

Residents are advised to remain cautious, especially in regions under heavy rain and wind warnings. Travelers and locals in affected areas should follow updates and adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities.