Monsoon fury looms over Kerala as IMD issues orange alert; Delhi braces for dust storms, thunderstorms later this week

People cover themselves amid heavy rainfall, in Sangli, Maharashtra. (Source: PTI Photo)

As torrential monsoon rains lash parts of Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an Orange Alert for several northern districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and an increased risk of floods and landslides. While the southwest monsoon continues its advance across large parts of the country, Delhi-NCR is bracing for a different weather pattern, with soaring temperatures over the next few days before thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to bring relief later this week.

Orange alert for North Kerala

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on June 8, warning of heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm and very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm at isolated places within 24 hours. The alert will be extended to Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts on June 9.

A yellow alert has also been issued for most districts of Kerala and Lakshadweep, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall through June 11.

The weather office said rain or thundershowers are likely at most places across Kerala and Lakshadweep from June 8 to June 13.

Landslide and flood threat

Authorities have warned of potential flash floods, waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides, and mudslides due to intense spells of rainfall.

The weather department said heavy rain could disrupt road traffic, uproot trees, damage power infrastructure, and affect vulnerable structures. Standing crops and vegetables nearing harvest may also suffer damage.

Strong surface winds reaching 40-50 kmph are expected across Kerala and Lakshadweep on June 8 and 9.

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Rough seas along coastlines

Marine warnings remain in force over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are likely over several sea areas, including waters adjoining Lakshadweep, the Maldives, Oman, and Somalia coasts.

Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution as rough sea conditions are expected to persist over large parts of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Monsoon advances further

The IMD said conditions remain favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into additional parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and the remaining northeastern states over the next three to four days.

Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and northeastern India during the coming week, with extremely heavy rainfall forecast at isolated places in Karnataka between June 8 and June 10.

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Delhi heat and storms

In the national capital, temperatures are expected to remain above normal for the next few days, with maximum temperatures touching 42-44 degrees Celsius between June 9 and June 10.

Delhi is likely to witness partly cloudy skies and possible thundery development on June 8. Conditions will remain mainly clear on June 9 before clouds increase again on June 10.

The IMD has forecast a spell of light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, across Delhi-NCR on June 11. The forecast covers all districts of Delhi as well as Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad.

Heatwave

Although temperatures in Delhi are expected to climb to 44 degrees Celsius this week, the IMD has not forecast heatwave conditions for the city. A significant drop of 4-6 degrees Celsius is expected after June 11 as thunderstorms and rain increase.

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Across the northwest, isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely over Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan between June 11 and June 13 under the influence of a fresh western disturbance expected to affect the western Himalayan region.