Monsoon Crisis: 8 Urgent IMD Warnings as Delhi Storms Rage & Himachal Faces Catastrophic Floods

Delhi faces an imminent severe weather threat with an IMD orange alert warning of intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and dangerous 40-60 kmph winds within hours, urging residents to secure property and avoid travel. Concurrently, Himachal Pradesh endures a devastating monsoon crisis, with 74 fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage from relentless rain-triggered landslides and flash floods since June 20. The state remains on high alert with red warnings for Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts anticipating life-threatening downpours.

While Delhi recorded slight temperature relief (28.8°C min) and improved air quality (AQI 82), the immediate focus is public safety during the storm. Significant rainfall is also forecast for Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, South Uttar Pradesh, and eastern regions under red alerts. This extreme weather underscores Delhi’s chronic drainage vulnerabilities and highlights the Himalayan region’s acute ecological fragility amid escalating climate impacts, demanding urgent preparedness and long-term resilience planning.

Monsoon Crisis: 8 Urgent IMD Warnings as Delhi Storms Rage & Himachal Faces Catastrophic Floods

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, warning of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning within the next few hours. Residents should prepare for:  

• Dangerous winds: Gusts of 40-60 kmph capable of toppling trees, signage, and disrupting power.  

• Flash flooding: Intense downpours may overwhelm drains in low-lying areas.  

• Travel disruption: Reduced visibility and waterlogging likely on roads. 

Current Conditions & Relief: 

Delhi recorded a slightly cooler minimum of 28.8°C (0.8°C below seasonal average) early Sunday, with air quality improving to a ‘satisfactory’ AQI of 82. However, humidity remains high, and the maximum temperature is expected near 33°C today.  

Key Advice for Delhiites:  

• Avoid non-essential travel during peak storm activity.  

• Secure outdoor objects (balcony furniture, signage).  

• Stay indoors during lightning; avoid open fields or high ground.  

• Monitor updates from IMD and local authorities. 

Himachal Pradesh: Monsoon Fury Escalates 

While Delhi prepares, Himachal Pradesh faces a deepening crisis. Since June 20:  

• 74 lives lost, primarily due to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods.  

• 115 people injured; widespread damage to roads, bridges, and homes.  

• Red alert active for Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts – forecasting “extremely heavy rainfall” (over 204 mm in 24 hours).  

• High flash flood risk in Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, and Hamirpur next 24 hours. 

National Impact & Wider Forecast  

• Moderate rain (5-15 mm/hour) expected in Jammu & Kashmir, South Uttar Pradesh, South Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra (parts), SW Bihar, and Tripura.  

• Eastern MP & Chhattisgarh under red alert for torrential rain. 

Why This Matters Beyond the Forecast  

• Delhi’s Infrastructure Stress: Frequent intense rain highlights chronic drainage issues. Post-storm, focus shifts to waterlogging and commute chaos.  

• Himachal’s Vulnerability: Repeated extreme weather underscores the ecological fragility of Himalayan states. Recovery will be long-term, demanding robust climate adaptation.  

• Health Watch: Stagnant water post-rain increases vector-borne disease risk (dengue, malaria), particularly in Delhi. 

Looking Ahead: 

Delhi residents should remain weather-aware for the next 48 hours. Himachal requires sustained relief efforts and long-term disaster resilience planning as climate patterns intensify.