As southwest-monsoon activity intensifies across India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for July 24. Its outlook includes heavy rainfall over Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab, while isolated very heavy rain is expected over Konkan and Goa, Gujarat, and Saurashtra and Kutch. Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and parts of the Northeast are also included in the broader warning. Heavy rain and thunderstorms, along with gusty winds, can cause waterlogging and flash flooding, disrupt transport, and trigger landslides in vulnerable areas.
In Delhi and the surrounding NCR, the forecast calls for generally cloudy skies, spells of rain and possible thunderstorms, with lightning and gusty winds. Temperatures are forecast to remain moderate, with highs near 32°C and lows around 25°C. Humidity will stay persistently high, leaving conditions muggy throughout the day. The IMD forecast coverage cited by Moneycontrol also includes thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in the Delhi-NCR outlook.
Mumbai is also experiencing active monsoon weather, with overcast skies and intermittent rain. In a related Maharashtra alert, the IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with winds of 50 to 60 km/h and gusts potentially reaching about 70 km/h. The alert reporting placed Thane and Palghar under red alerts, while Mumbai was under an orange alert. Road connectivity and drinking-water supplies were among the potential disruptions. Daytime temperatures in Mumbai are expected to hover around 30°C, falling to 27°C at night, while humidity remains elevated. Low-lying areas face a particular risk of water accumulation.
Ahmedabad faces a particularly wet day, with the forecast warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, as well as a risk of lightning. Persistent cloud cover is keeping temperatures slightly cooler, in the high 20s°C. Waterlogging and localized flooding are possible, especially in areas with poor drainage, and residents are advised to watch for sudden weather changes. Gujarat has also seen operational responses to heavy rain: ANI reported red alerts for multiple districts, relief and rescue activity in Surat, Navsari and Valsad, and evacuations and closures in affected areas. Surat District Collector Tejas Parmar said the administration was “fully on alert” ahead of further heavy rain.
Pune is forecast to see mostly cloudy skies, occasional light rain and isolated thunderstorms, especially towards the evening. The weather will be relatively pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the high 20s°C and cooler nights. Brief showers could cause minor travel delays, but widespread disruption is not expected.
Rajasthan is set for widespread rainfall, with the IMD highlighting a risk of extremely heavy rain in the east and very heavy showers in the west. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely, particularly in Jaipur and other major cities. Temperatures will be lower than usual, ranging from 30°C to 32°C during the day and 25°C to 26°C at night, while humidity remains high.
Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya are both experiencing active monsoon conditions. Himachal Pradesh will see frequent rain, especially in hilly regions, with cool temperatures between 16°C and 24°C. Meghalaya faces moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with temperatures from 20°C to 27°C and high humidity.
The IMD alert also covers Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where intense rainfall and thunderstorms are likely. The risk of landslides and flooding is higher in hilly and low-lying regions, and authorities are monitoring conditions closely. The wider monsoon emergency has brought flash floods and submerged low-lying areas, while landslides have blocked transport routes in parts of India. In Assam, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries were reported flowing above danger thresholds.
Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are expected to remain under thick cloud cover, with intermittent rain and high humidity through the day. The IMD advises commuters and residents in affected areas to exercise caution, as waterlogging and traffic disruptions are possible.
Widespread monsoon activity is not unusual for this time of year, but the current intensity has prompted heightened alerts. Several regions in India have already recorded impressive rainfall this season, leading to localized flooding and travel delays. Similar weather disruptions have recently affected other regions, including the southeast of Spain, where storms and hail have prompted local authorities to issue weather warnings and prepare for potential emergencies. More details on these European weather events are in this report: Storms and hail warnings issued for southeast Spain amid heatwave.
The IMD expects the current monsoon phase to persist and will issue further updates as conditions evolve. Residents in affected states are urged to follow official channels and take necessary precautions, especially in areas with a history of flooding or landslides. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide additional guidance as needed.
