Red rain warning issued in Gujarat: heavy rainfall and risk of flash floods expected over the next 48 hours

The monsoon has reactivated in Rajasthan. On Friday, rains fell in several districts, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Kotaputli-Bahror, with strong winds observed in Bikaner. Over the last 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall was recorded in eastern Rajasthan. The highest amount of precipitation, 69 mm, was registered in Kushalgarh Banswara, which is classified as heavy rain.

Light rains accompanied by thunder and gusty winds also occurred in the western part of the state. Meanwhile, the highest temperature in the state was recorded in Jaisalmer at 41.5 degrees Celsius, and the lowest was in Sirohi at 22 degrees Celsius.

According to the meteorological department, a low-pressure area formed over Eastern India has shifted west and reached the southern districts of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. There is a possibility that it will weaken within the next 24 hours and turn into a low-pressure area with moderate indicators. Consequently, from July 31 to August 2, moderate to heavy rains are expected in some districts of Udaipur and Jodhpur, while light to moderate precipitation is forecasted for the districts of Jaipur, Kota, Ajmer, and Bikaner.

The meteorological department issued an orange alert for five districts and a yellow alert for the rest. Scientists suggest that starting August 3, the monsoon trough will begin shifting northward, after which rainfall activity is likely to move to the northwestern and northeastern parts of Rajasthan. Nevertheless, rains are expected to continue in the state from August 5 to August 6.

Meanwhile, NDRF commander Surendra Singh reported that the Indian Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert' for Vadodara and surrounding areas of Gujarat on July 31 and August 1. Due to this, three teams previously deployed in various parts of Gujarat have been recalled to headquarters. Starting July 22, they have been conducting rescue operations across Gujarat.

According to data from the regional meteorological center of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the active monsoon season continues in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Rainfall of varying intensity is expected in different parts of the region—from light to very heavy rain.

Warnings of heavy rainfall

Meteorologists have issued a warning for heavy or very heavy rainfall for the Lalitpur district. Additionally, a warning for heavy rain has been issued in 12 districts, including Banda, Chitrakoot, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Muradabad, Rampur, Bareli, Pilibhit, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Jansi. Overall, thunderstorm rain is forecasted in 42 districts of the state.

Recommendations for the public

Due to the expected period of rain, meteorologists advise residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. There is a possibility of flooding in several places, rising water levels in small streams and rivers, and disruption of traffic.

Weather forecast for the day

According to the meteorological service forecasts, most of Western and several districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh will be under cloud cover. Intermittent rains are expected during the day: light precipitation is possible in some places, while heavy downpours are expected in others. Monsoon processes remain active, which accounts for the variability of the weather. The probability of cloudiness persists from the morning, and rain activity may intensify in the afternoon and evening. Residents of districts with heavy rain warnings should be especially cautious.

Special caution in Lalitpur

The IMD predicts heavy or very heavy rains in the Lalitpur district. Prolonged intense precipitation may lead to the flooding of low-lying areas, and the water level in small streams and temporary watercourses may rise. Residents of these areas are advised to exercise caution. Meteorologists note that continuous rain can affect daily life by causing road inundation, movement difficulties, and reduced visibility.

Districts with heavy rain warnings

The list of 12 districts receiving heavy rain warnings includes Banda, Chitrakoot, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Muradabad, Rampur, Bareli, Pilibhit, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Jansi. Localized heavy rains are possible in all these districts, which may cause street flooding, water accumulation on roads, and transport problems. Local administrations are also advised to increase vigilance.

Risk of thunderstorms in 42 districts

In addition to rain, there is a risk of thunderstorms and lightning strikes in 42 districts of the state. These districts include Banda, Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Hardoi, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Gotambuddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, Kasanj, Eta, Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Itawa, Ariya, Bijnor, Amroha, Muradabad, Rampur, Bareli, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Sambal, Badaut, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Jansi, and Lalitpur. Residents of these districts are strongly advised to exercise extra caution and avoid being in open spaces during a thunderstorm.