Flood Watch: IMD Warns of Very Heavy Rain in Northeast Over Next 5 Days

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast sustained rainfall activity over the northeastern states for the next five days, beginning Friday, July 4, with multiple warnings in place for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy to very heavy rain across the region.

The IMD bulletin notes that the monsoon trough at mean sea level is currently active, extending from Bikaner through Jaipur, Datia, Sidhi, Asansol, and Kolkata, before stretching southeastward to the northeast Bay of Bengal. Additionally, an upper air cyclonic circulation over central Assam persists, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. Another cyclonic system over northern parts of Gangetic West Bengal and neighbouring areas extends between 1.5 and 5.8 km in height and tilts southward with altitude. A third feature—a trough from the northeast Arabian Sea to the northwest Bay of Bengal—runs from north Gujarat to northern Gangetic West Bengal via Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, at an altitude of around 3.1 km.

Forecast Summary (July 4–8)

Day 1 (Friday, July 4):
Moderate rain is very likely to occur at most places across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. Many parts of Tripura are also expected to receive moderate rainfall. No significant change in maximum temperatures is anticipated across the region.

Day 2 (Saturday, July 5):
Most places in Meghalaya and Manipur are expected to experience moderate rainfall. Many areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura will also receive showers. Temperatures are likely to remain stable.

Day 3 (Sunday, July 6):
Moderate rain is very likely over most of Meghalaya. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura will see rain at many locations, while Assam is likely to experience light to moderate showers at a few places.

Day 4 (Monday, July 7):
Moderate rain is forecast at most places in Meghalaya and at many places in Nagaland and Tripura. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram may receive light to moderate rainfall at a few locations.

Day 5 (Tuesday, July 8):
Meghalaya is expected to continue receiving moderate rainfall at most places. Light to moderate rain is likely at a few places across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Warnings Issued

Day 1 (July 4):
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated spots in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, while Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura may witness heavy showers.

Day 2 (July 5):
The threat of thunderstorms and lightning continues across the region, with heavy rain expected at isolated places in all northeastern states.

Day 3 (July 6):
Meghalaya is expected to bear the brunt of the monsoon, with heavy to very heavy rain likely at isolated places. Heavy rain is also forecast for parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura. Thunderstorms and lightning may occur over several areas.

Day 4 (July 7):
Thunderstorms and lightning are likely in Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Heavy rain is also likely at isolated places in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Day 5 (July 8):
The final day of the forecast period continues to warn of thunderstorms and lightning over Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram, with heavy rain likely at isolated places in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.

Advisory

Authorities and residents, especially those in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, are advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures as the active monsoon phase is expected to persist over the next few days. The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as necessary.

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