Monsoon Returns with Force
Just when many thought the monsoon season had started winding down, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has dropped a fresh warning: thunderstorms and widespread showers are set to drench large parts of North and Central India over the next four days.
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand are right at the center of this wet spell. The IMD’s daily bulletin makes it clear that the retreat of monsoon will be anything but quiet this year.
A senior IMD scientist, Dr. Meera Sinha, was quoted as saying, “Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are clashing with cooler western disturbances. This mix is creating a favorable condition for heavy to moderate rainfall across the Indo-Gangetic plains.”
Delhi-NCR Under Yellow Alert
The capital has already been seeing overcast skies, but starting October 2, light to moderate showers will become frequent. A yellow alert has been issued for Delhi-NCR, which means citizens should be cautious but not alarmed.
Residents can expect cloudy mornings, muggy afternoons, and sudden bursts of rain in the evenings. For office-goers, umbrellas will become the most important accessory of the week.
Traffic congestion and waterlogging are likely, especially in low-lying areas such as Minto Road, ITO, and parts of Gurugram. Commuters are being advised to leave home early and keep track of live traffic updates.
Thunderstorms in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is bracing for scattered thunderstorms. According to the forecast, cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj may see heavy downpours accompanied by strong gusty winds.
For farmers, this sudden rain can be a double-edged sword. While standing paddy crops could benefit from the extra moisture, excessive rainfall might damage freshly harvested produce.
Rakesh Yadav, a farmer from eastern UP, said, “We were just preparing to dry our grains in the open fields. If the rain continues for days, it could cause significant losses.”
Bihar Faces Flood Concerns Again
Bihar, which has already battled multiple floods this season, is again on alert. The Ganga and Kosi river belts are vulnerable to even short spells of heavy rainfall.
The IMD has warned that districts such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur could witness thunderstorms with lightning. Local administrations have been asked to prepare flood relief teams in advance.
Disaster management officials in Patna stressed that people living near river embankments should avoid unnecessary travel and keep emergency kits ready.
Uttarakhand: Risk of Landslides
The hilly state of Uttarakhand is another worry. With heavy rain predicted, there’s an increased risk of landslides and flash floods in districts like Dehradun, Pithoragarh, and Chamoli.
Tourists planning to visit hill stations have been urged to postpone their trips. Trekking routes and pilgrimage circuits could become dangerous due to slippery terrain.
Local authorities are likely to suspend Char Dham yatra routes temporarily if rainfall intensifies.
Why October Rain Matters
Usually by early October, the monsoon begins its retreat from North India. But in recent years, the withdrawal has become unpredictable. This extended spell of rainfall is both a relief and a challenge.
On one hand, it helps groundwater recharge and reduces the need for early winter irrigation. On the other hand, it increases the risk of flooding, damages harvested crops, and disrupts urban infrastructure.
Climate experts point out that such erratic patterns may become the “new normal.” According to Dr. Sinha, “Climate change is stretching monsoon cycles. Farmers and policymakers must prepare for unpredictable bursts of rain, even in what were once considered dry months.”
Public Advisory
The IMD has advised people in affected states to:
- Avoid outdoor activities during thunderstorms and lightning.
- Stay away from riversides and flooded roads.
- Farmers should cover harvested grains and avoid waterlogging in fields.
- Urban residents should prepare for water supply disruptions and traffic jams.
The health department has also issued an advisory warning about mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which tend to spike after extended rainy spells.
Outlook Ahead
If the IMD’s forecast holds true, the first week of October will remain damp across much of North India. Showers are likely to taper off after October 5, when monsoon winds are expected to shift southward.
For now, the rains will bring temporary relief from late September heat but also fresh challenges for farmers, city commuters, and hill residents alike.
As Delhiite Rohit Sharma put it while waiting at a bus stop under a sudden drizzle, “The rain feels good after the heat, but only until you’re stuck for two hours in a jam. That’s when you start wishing for sunshine again.”