Heavy rain likely across several states this week; Delhi surpasses Aug average

NEW DELHI: Several states across India are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall this week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intense spells over the Western Himalayan region, east Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and parts of Karnataka.The IMD has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the Western Himalayan region, east Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh during the week. Kerala, coastal Karnataka and south interior Karnataka are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over the next two days.In its latest nowcast warning, issued at 1:13 am on Sunday, the IMD warned of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 40-60 kmph and moderate rainfall of 5-15 mm per hour in parts of Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The warning is valid until 4:13 am on Sunday.In Meghalaya, South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills are under an orange warning.In Chhattisgarh, the warning covers Bemetara, Bilaspur, Kabirdham, Mahasamund and Mungeli.In Madhya Pradesh, the affected districts include Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Dindori, Guna, Jabalpur, Mandla, Raisen, Sagar, Seoni, Shahdol, Umaria and Vidisha.In Uttarakhand, the warning has been issued for Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat and Pithoragarh.The IMD has advised residents in the affected areas to remain alert, avoid taking shelter under trees or weak structures, check road and traffic conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. People have also been advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities.Meanwhile, Delhi has already surpassed its average rainfall for August in the first eight days of the month, with the Safdarjung Observatory recording 230.1 mm of rain so far.Safdarjung, the city's primary weather observatory, recorded 225.7 mm of rainfall between the beginning of August and 8:30 am on Saturday, followed by another 4.4 mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, taking the cumulative total to 230.1 mm.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi's average rainfall for August is 226.8 mm, based on the 1991-2020 climatological period.Delhi also recorded its highest single-day August rainfall in two years on Saturday, with Safdarjung receiving 98.7 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am. The last time the city recorded higher rainfall in August was on August 1, 2024, when 107.6 mm was recorded.The national capital has been receiving rainfall for the fourth consecutive day.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.