Stormy Start To August: Heavy Rain Alert Issued For 19 States, Landslide Warning In Hill Areas

New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major weather alert across the country for August 1, 2026. According to the department, monsoon has once again intensified and there is a possibility of heavy rain, strong storms and lightning in 19 states of the country in the next 24 hours. IMD has advised farmers, fishermen and people living in hilly areas to be especially alert.

In which states will the weather worsen?

According to IMD, the weather patterns can change suddenly in these states: 

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In these areas, there may be heavy rain at many places along with strong winds at a speed of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour. In some states, people will get relief from humidity as the temperature drops by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.

What are the conditions of Delhi and UP?

The sky will be cloudy in the national capital Delhi on Saturday and there may be heavy rain. The wind can blow up to 50 kmph. The maximum temperature is expected to be 33°C and minimum 28°C. There is an alert of heavy rain and thunderstorms for many districts in Uttar Pradesh including Saharanpur, Meerut, Agra, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Varanasi. The wind speed here can reach up to 55 kmph. Lucknow will also remain cloudy throughout the day with intermittent rain.

How is the situation in Bihar and hilly states?

A yellow alert has been issued for districts like Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnia of Bihar. There may be strong winds up to 60 kmph and rain with thunder and lightning. Due to continuous rain in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the risk of landslides has increased. Hail may also occur in some places. IMD has said that people should not travel in sensitive areas without essential work and keep keeping track of the weather.

What should farmers and fishermen do?

The Meteorological Department has appealed to the farmers to check the weather updates before working in the fields. The crop may get damaged due to heavy rain.  At the same time, fishermen living on the sea and river banks have been advised not to go out with boats in bad weather. There is a fear of an accident due to strong winds and high waves.

Is there danger of floods in the North-East?

Due to continuous rains in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the flood situation may become more serious. The administration has asked people living in low-lying areas to remain alert and move to safe places if necessary. The water level of many rivers is also rising rapidly. Overall, the next 24 hours can be challenging for many states. People are requested to keep an eye on government alerts and not leave the house unnecessarily.