Key Highlights

• A deep depression from the Bay of Bengal is interacting with a large monsoon circulation over the Tibetan Plateau, strengthening monsoon activity across India.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall in several states.
• Thunderstorms, waterlogging, flash floods and landslides are possible in vulnerable regions over the coming days.
• The Bay of Bengal system is expected to move inland, carrying large amounts of moisture into central and northern India.
• Weather experts say this could become one of the most widespread active monsoon spells of the season.

India is witnessing an intensified phase of the southwest monsoon as two large-scale weather systems interact over the subcontinent.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a deep depression that developed over the Bay of Bengal is moving inland after crossing the West Bengal–North Odisha coast. At the same time, a large monsoon circulation over the Tibetan Plateau is strengthening upper-level atmospheric conditions.

The interaction between these systems is expected to enhance rainfall activity across eastern, central, northern and parts of southern India.

How the Two Systems Are Working Together

Meteorologists explain that each system plays a different role in strengthening the monsoon.

Bay of Bengal Deep Depression

The deep depression is transporting large quantities of moisture from the Bay of Bengal into the Indian mainland.

As it advances north-northwestward, it continues to feed warm, moisture-rich air into the atmosphere, creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall.

Tibetan Plateau Monsoon Circulation

The circulation over the Tibetan Plateau helps strengthen upper-level monsoon winds, increasing atmospheric instability.

When combined with abundant moisture from the Bay of Bengal, these conditions promote:

• Rapid cloud formation.
• Thunderstorm development.
• Intense rainfall over a broad geographical area.

States Likely to Receive Heavy Rain

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over several parts of the country, including:

• Odisha
• West Bengal
• Jharkhand
• Bihar
• Chhattisgarh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Delhi
• Haryana
• Punjab
• Uttarakhand
• Himachal Pradesh

Rainfall activity is also expected to remain active over parts of:

• Maharashtra
• Telangana
• Karnataka
• Kerala

The west coast is also likely to continue receiving persistent monsoon showers.

Thunderstorms and Flood Risk May Increase

The interaction of these weather systems is expected to produce:

• Frequent thunderstorms.
• Lightning activity.
• Short periods of intense rainfall.
• Gusty winds in some regions.

The IMD has cautioned that prolonged rainfall could increase the risk of:

• Urban waterlogging.
• Flash floods.
• River swelling.
• Landslides, particularly in Himalayan states.
• Disruptions to road and rail transport in affected areas.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and follow local weather advisories.

Why This Monsoon Spell Is Significant

Weather experts note that the combination of a strong upper-level circulation and a moisture-rich low-pressure system is one of the key drivers of active monsoon conditions.

The current alignment is expected to:

• Strengthen the southwest monsoon.
• Expand rainfall coverage across multiple regions.
• Help reduce rainfall deficits in some areas.
• Increase the likelihood of extreme rainfall events in vulnerable districts.

The coming days are therefore expected to be among the most active phases of this year's monsoon season.

Weather Safety Tips During Heavy Rain

As heavy rainfall continues, people in affected areas should:

• Monitor official weather updates from the IMD and local authorities.
• Avoid travelling through waterlogged roads whenever possible.
• Stay away from overflowing rivers, drains and low-lying areas.
• Exercise caution in hilly regions where landslides may occur.
• Secure loose outdoor objects and prepare for possible traffic disruptions.

Why This Matters

The southwest monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture, water resources and overall economy. While widespread rainfall can improve reservoir levels and benefit rain-dependent farming, prolonged heavy rain also raises the risk of floods, landslides and disruption to daily life.

Close monitoring of weather advisories and timely preparedness will be important as the active monsoon phase continues across much of the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is heavy rainfall expected across India?

Heavy rainfall is being driven by the interaction between a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and a large monsoon circulation over the Tibetan Plateau, which together are strengthening the southwest monsoon.

Which states are likely to receive heavy rain?

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall for parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, along with continued rain over parts of peninsular India.

What weather hazards are possible?

Affected regions may experience thunderstorms, waterlogging, flash floods, river flooding and landslides, especially in hilly areas.

Is the Bay of Bengal system expected to weaken?

The deep depression is expected to move inland while continuing to transport significant moisture, sustaining rainfall over large parts of the country.

What precautions should people take?

Residents should stay updated with official weather advisories, avoid flooded areas, exercise caution while travelling and remain alert in landslide-prone regions.