North India Rainfall: What’s Happening Right Now
Monsoon season is in full swing across the northern belt, and the weather is anything but boring. From Delhi’s swollen Yamuna to flood‑hit Bihar, the rain is shaping travel plans, daily chores, and even power supply. If you live in or travel through North India, you’ll want the most recent updates and a few practical tips to stay safe.
Current Heavy Rainfall Across North Indian States
Delhi’s recent downpour pushed the Yamuna to 207.44 metres, just shy of the 1978 record. The rise forced a temporary halt to cremations at Nigambodh Ghat and caused flight delays – 273 departures and 73 arrivals were affected. Roads around IGI Airport and the Outer Ring Road flooded, and police issued several diversions.
In Bihar, the Ganga and its tributaries are above danger levels, flooding more than 25 lakh people across ten districts. Breached embankments in Muzaffarpur and Saran have left villages underwater, prompting rescue teams to deploy over 1,200 boats. The state government is running community kitchens and providing fodder for livestock.
Jammu & Kashmir is looking at an above‑average September rain outlook. The IMD forecast warns of flash‑floods and landslides, especially on mountain highways. Travelers heading to popular hill stations should keep an eye on local alerts and be ready for sudden road closures.
Uttarakhand saw a cloudburst in Chamoli’s Tharali area, with IMD flagging 24 hours of dangerous rain. Dehradun faces a 90 % chance of showers, and officials are on high alert for landslides from Dehradun to Bageshwar. The situation is fluid, so stay tuned to local bulletins.
Even Jharkhand, though slightly east of the core north‑east zone, is under an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Ranchi and surrounding districts. Strong winds and thunderstorms are expected, which could spill over into neighboring states.
What You Should Do During the Monsoon
First, keep your phone charged and save emergency numbers – the local police, NDRF and your nearest hospital. If you’re driving, avoid low‑lying routes near rivers and watch for sudden waterlogging. In cities like Delhi, follow traffic police diversions and consider alternate routes to the airport or railway stations.
For those in flood‑prone zones such as Bihar and Uttarakhand, move valuables to higher ground as soon as a warning comes in. Sandbags can help protect doorways, but don’t rely on them if water levels rise quickly. If evacuation orders are issued, pack essential items – medicines, documents, some cash – and leave early.
Travelers heading to the hills should check weather apps for live updates. Flash‑flood warnings can appear minutes before a torrent hits a road. It’s better to delay a trek than to get stuck on a washed‑out path.
Finally, stay informed. Follow reliable sources like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local news portals for real‑time alerts. Social media can spread rumors, so verify any warning with an official channel before taking action.
Monsoon rains are a natural part of life in North India, but they don’t have to catch you off guard. Keep these tips handy, stay alert, and you’ll ride out the season safely.
Relentless rain has flooded parts of Punjab, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh, with the IMD issuing red alerts across multiple states. Punjab is seeing its worst floods since 1988. A drain breach on the Haryana-Delhi border triggered evacuations in low-lying colonies. A Bay of Bengal low-pressure system is fueling the downpour, with September rainfall likely to exceed the long-period average.