IMD Weather Update: Red Alert in Himachal, Heavy Rain Forecast for Delhi Today

India's southwest monsoon is expected to intensify on Tuesday, July 21, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for several districts of Himachal Pradesh, a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR, and warning of continued heavy rainfall across parts of Northeast India.

The latest weather forecast indicates an active monsoon system driven by multiple upper-air cyclonic circulations, increasing the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in several states.

Why Is the Monsoon Becoming More Active?

According to the IMD, six upper-air cyclonic circulations are currently influencing weather conditions across the country. These weather systems are located over:

• Punjab
• South Uttar Pradesh
• Jharkhand-Bihar border
• Southwest Rajasthan
• West-central Bay of Bengal
• Central Assam

A low-pressure trough connecting several of these systems is transporting large amounts of moisture, resulting in widespread rainfall stretching from eastern India to the Northeast.

Meteorologists say this combination is expected to trigger intense rainfall in multiple regions over the next 24 hours.

IMD Issues Red Alert for Himachal Pradesh

The IMD has placed Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts under a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within 24 hours at isolated locations.

The department has cautioned residents about the possibility of:

• Flash floods
• Landslides
• Road blockages
• Rising river levels
• Disruptions to transport services

As a precautionary measure, educational institutions have remained closed in several affected districts.

Flash Flood Risk Remains High in Himalayan States

Continuous rainfall over the past several days has saturated the soil across the Himalayan region, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods.

The IMD has identified several vulnerable districts:

Jammu & Kashmir

• Poonch
• Rajouri
• Kulgam
• Srinagar
• Anantnag

Uttarakhand

• Dehradun
• Uttarkashi
• Chamoli
• Rudraprayag

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid travel through landslide-prone routes, and follow local administration advisories.

Delhi-NCR Likely to Receive Rainfall Today

Delhi and the National Capital Region are under a yellow weather alert for Tuesday.

The IMD forecasts:

• Cloudy skies throughout the day
• Light to moderate rainfall across most areas
• Isolated heavy rain during the afternoon
• Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning
• Wind speeds reaching up to 50 kmph

The rainfall is expected to provide relief from humid conditions, with daytime temperatures likely to remain between 31°C and 33°C, while minimum temperatures may hover around 24°C to 26°C.

Assam Continues to Battle Floods

Flood conditions remain critical in Assam, where more than 57,000 people across seven districts continue to be affected by flooding.

According to disaster management authorities:

• Five deaths have been reported during the current flood season.
• Relief and rescue operations remain underway.
• The Indian Army and Indian Air Force have been placed on standby for emergency assistance.

Fresh spells of very heavy rainfall forecast over Assam and Meghalaya may worsen the situation in flood-affected regions.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Nagaland continues recovery efforts following recent landslides in Mon district.

Mumbai Under Orange Alert

While northern and northeastern India brace for heavy rainfall, Mumbai remains under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain and localized flooding.

In contrast, much of southern India is expected to experience comparatively lighter rainfall over the coming days.

What Do IMD's Weather Alerts Mean?

The India Meteorological Department uses a four-tier colour-coded warning system to indicate weather severity:

• Green Alert: No significant weather warning; no action required.
• Yellow Alert: Stay updated and remain cautious as weather conditions may worsen.
• Orange Alert: Be prepared for adverse weather conditions and possible disruptions.
• Red Alert: Take immediate action as severe weather poses significant risks to life and property.

Authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.

Key Highlights

• IMD issues a red alert for five districts in Himachal Pradesh.
• Heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm is possible in isolated areas.
• Delhi-NCR is under a yellow alert with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected.
• Flash flood risk remains high across parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
• Over 57,000 people remain affected by floods in Assam.
• Mumbai is under an orange alert, while southern India is expected to receive relatively less rainfall.
• Six upper-air cyclonic circulations are driving widespread monsoon activity across India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has IMD issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh?

The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in isolated areas, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides, and significant disruptions.

Will Delhi receive heavy rain today?

Yes. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall across Delhi-NCR, with isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms, and winds of up to 50 kmph.

Which states face the highest flash flood risk?

Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Meghalaya are among the regions facing elevated flash flood risks due to continuous heavy rainfall.

Why is India's monsoon becoming more intense?

The current weather pattern is being driven by six upper-air cyclonic circulations and an active low-pressure trough that are drawing moisture across large parts of the country.

What do IMD's red, orange, and yellow alerts mean?

A red alert indicates immediate action is required due to severe weather, orange means residents should be prepared, yellow advises caution and monitoring, while green indicates no weather warning.

How many people are affected by floods in Assam?

More than 57,000 people across seven districts are currently affected by flooding, with rescue and relief operations continuing.

Which cities are under weather alerts today?

Himachal Pradesh districts are under a red alert, Delhi-NCR is under a yellow alert, and Mumbai is under an orange alert due to heavy rainfall forecasts.