India’s pre-monsoon season is in full swing, and the rain isn’t just a sprinkle. From Delhi to Punjab, heavy downpours are turning streets into rivers and causing real headaches for commuters, farmers, and anyone trying to get outside. In this guide we break down the most important updates, what the weather agencies are saying, and how you can stay safe.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued several red and orange alerts this month. Punjab is seeing its worst flooding since 1988, with the IMD’s red warning covering multiple districts. A breach in a drain on the Haryana‑Delhi border forced evacuations in low‑lying colonies and added to the chaos in the capital.
In Delhi‑NCR, the Yamuna rose to 207.44 metres, just shy of the 1978 peak. The rise caused flight delays – 273 departures and 73 arrivals were pushed back – and even halted cremations at Nigambodh Ghat. Roads near IGI Airport and the Outer Ring Road were flooded, prompting police to divert traffic.
Uttarakhand isn’t safe either. A cloudburst in Chamoli’s Tharali has the IMD warning of dangerous rain for the next 24 hours, with a high risk of landslides and flash floods from Dehradun down to Bageshwar.
Travelers should expect road closures and flight disruptions, especially around Delhi’s airports. If you’re heading out, check real‑time traffic updates and consider alternate routes. For those in flood‑prone areas, keep sandbags handy, move valuables to higher ground, and stay tuned to local news for evacuation orders.
Agricultural communities are feeling the squeeze. While some crops benefit from the early rains, persistent waterlogging is damaging wheat fields in Punjab and rice paddies in Uttar Pradesh. The government has announced emergency relief kits and community kitchens in the hardest‑hit districts.
If you’re just watching from home, the air quality remains satisfactory despite the moisture, but humidity can make it feel hotter. Stay hydrated, wear breathable clothing, and avoid standing water to reduce the risk of mosquito‑borne diseases.
Bottom line: pre‑monsoon rains are more than a seasonal inconvenience. They bring real risks, from travel delays to flood damage. Keep an eye on IMD alerts, follow local authorities, and be ready to adapt your plans. Stay safe out there!"
Pre-monsoon rains have finally brought a drop in temperatures to Agra, breaking a streak of relentless heatwaves. The IMD predicts more isolated showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds for Uttar Pradesh as the southwest monsoon edges closer.