New Delhi: As the southwest monsoon begins its gradual withdrawal from parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for 18 states and Union Territories for Tuesday, September 22. A fresh low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal is driving intense weather activity, prompting warnings for heavy rainfall across eastern and southern India.
According to the latest IMD daily bulletin, states including West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu are bracing for severe downpours. In West Bengal, a yellow alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Jhargram. The weather department also warned of strong winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph along the coastal districts. Similarly, widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast across Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the next 48 hours as the low-pressure system deepens.
Southern India is also experiencing an intense wet spell. The meteorological department has predicted heavy rainfall in 21 districts of Tamil Nadu, including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been explicitly advised to remain cautious during sudden thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, a stark contrast in weather patterns is visible in northern India. Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are expected to witness clear skies, with no rain forecast for the coming week. According to IMD forecasts, maximum temperatures will hover between 34 degrees Celsius and 36 degrees Celsius in Delhi, leading to high humidity levels and discomfort for residents.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are also observing a significant dip in monsoon activity. The IMD predicts mostly dry conditions in UP, while Bihar will only see isolated, light showers without any severe warnings. In Rajasthan, the monsoon is effectively withdrawing, with dry weather expected to persist across most parts of the state for the next five to seven days.
While heavy rain alerts remain active for Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Jharkhand, moderate showers are likely in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. As the monsoon gradually transitions out of the subcontinent, the IMD continues to closely monitor the Bay of Bengal for further atmospheric developments.