Severe Rainfall Alerts: India Meteorological Department Issues Weather Warnings in 2025

The Southwest Monsoon in 2025: A Robust Start

The southwest monsoon vital for India’s agriculture and water resources typically spans June to September delivering over 70% of the country’s annual rainfall. In 2025, the monsoon arrived early blanketing India by June 29 nine days ahead of schedule driven by low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The IMD forecasted above-normal rainfall for June at 108% of the long-period average (166.9 mm) with heavy downpours expected to continue into July. On June 30, 2025 the IMD’s updates highlighted active monsoon conditions across northwest, central, east and northeast India setting the stage for severe weather warnings.

Details of the June 30, 2025 Severe Rainfall Alerts

The IMD’s weather warnings on June 30, 2025, outlined critical conditions, disseminated through official channels including the IMD website, the ‘Mausam’ app and X posts by @Indiametdept. Key highlights included:

• Regions Affected: Alerts were issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal, Gujarat Region, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Uttarakhand and West Uttar Pradesh. Extremely heavy rainfall warnings were flagged for parts of Odisha and Gujarat with similar conditions expected in northwest and central India until July 10, 2025.

• Recent Observations: In the 24 hours ending at 0830 hours IST on June 30, 2025 heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Chandigarh reported 119.5 mm of rainfall, while West Madhya Pradesh saw significant downpours triggering specific alerts.

• Extended Outlook: The IMD’s forecast for June 26 to July 10, 2025, predicted continued active monsoon conditions with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely across northwest, central, east and northeast India. Isolated extremely heavy rainfall was also expected in Kerala and South Interior Karnataka.

The IMD’s colour-coded warning system clarified the severity:

• Yellow Alert: Issued for Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Haryana urging awareness of potential disruptions.

• Orange Alert: Issued for regions expecting very heavy rainfall (115.6–204.4 mm in 24 hours) such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand calling for preparedness.

• Red Alert: Issued for areas like West Madhya Pradesh with extremely heavy rainfall (>204.4 mm in 24 hours) demanding immediate action.

These warnings reached the public through digital platforms SMS alerts and local media ensuring accessibility.

Impacts of the Severe Rainfall Alerts

The IMD’s alerts on June 30, 2025 had far-reaching effects across various sectors:

1. Public Safety

The warnings prompted state governments to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas set up relief camps, and distribute essentials like food and blankets. In Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand authorities were on high alert to prevent landslides and flash floods common during heavy monsoon spells.

2. Agriculture

Heavy rainfall posed risks to crops but the IMD’s alerts enabled farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh to delay sowing or protect harvested produce. In Odisha, warnings about extremely heavy rainfall helped farmers safeguard paddy fields from waterlogging.

3. Urban Infrastructure

Cities like Chandigarh faced waterlogging due to 119.5 mm of rainfall. The IMD’s warnings allowed civic bodies to clear drainage systems, deploy pumps and manage traffic disruptions in cities like Ludhiana and Patiala. In Delhi moderate rainfall and gusty winds prompted similar measures.

4. Transportation

Heavy rainfall disrupted road and rail services in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The IMD’s advisories helped authorities issue travel warnings close flooded roads, and ensure safety for air and rail passengers.

5. Public Health

Prolonged rainfall increased risks of waterborne and vector borne diseases. The IMD’s alerts enabled health departments to distribute mosquito nets, oral hydration salts and clean drinking water particularly in rural Bihar and Odisha.

Technology Powering IMD’s Warnings

The IMD’s accurate warnings rely on advanced infrastructure:

• Doppler Weather Radars: Deployed across India, these radars tracked rainfall intensity and storm movements critical for monitoring low-pressure systems in June 2025.

• Satellite Imagery: INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR provided real-time data on cloud cover and atmospheric conditions aiding monsoon tracking.

• Bharat Forecast System: Launched in May 2025 this high-resolution system improved localised forecasting as noted by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.

• Automatic Weather Stations (AWS): Thousands of AWS collected data on temperature, humidity and rainfall, supporting region-specific alerts.

• Numerical Weather Prediction Models: These models enhanced the accuracy of extended forecasts for June and July 2025.

The IMD’s partnerships with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and SAMEER bolstered its capabilities, particularly through microwave radiometers.

Challenges in Warning Dissemination

Despite its robust systems, the IMD faces challenges:

1. Last-Mile Connectivity: Remote areas with limited internet access struggle to receive timely alerts. The IMD is addressing this through radio broadcasts and local partnerships.

2. Public Awareness: Some communities, especially in rural areas may not understand the colour-coded system. The IMD’s campaigns aim to educate the public.

3. Climate Variability: Climate change has made weather patterns less predictable challenging forecasting accuracy. The IMD is integrating AI to adapt.

4. Coordination Gaps: Delays in local action can reduce warning effectiveness. The IMD collaborates with the NDMA to streamline responses.

Case Studies of Recent Rainfall Impacts

Chandigarh and Punjab

Chandigarh’s 119.5 mm rainfall on June 30, 2025 caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. The IMD’s orange alerts for Punjab prompted civic bodies in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Patiala to deploy emergency teams and clear drains minimising disruptions.

West Madhya Pradesh

Very heavy rainfall in West Madhya Pradesh triggered a red alert leading to evacuations and relief camp setups. The IMD’s timely warnings prevented significant casualties.

Delhi

Light to moderate rainfall with gusty winds hit Delhi on June 29–30, 2025. The IMD’s forecasts helped authorities manage waterlogging in areas like Vasant Kunj and Malviya Nagar.

Community Preparedness and Response

The IMD’s warnings were effective due to coordinated efforts:

• State Governments: Bihar, Odisha and Uttarakhand activated disaster response teams and helplines.

• NGOs and Volunteers: Local groups distributed essentials in flood-prone areas supporting vulnerable populations.

• Public Engagement: The IMD’s social media and app notifications encouraged residents to avoid travel and stay updated.

Future Directions for IMD

The IMD is enhancing its systems to address 2025’s monsoon challenges:

• Radar Expansion: Additional Doppler radars will improve coverage in remote areas.

• AI Integration: AI-driven models will refine extreme weather predictions.

• Community Networks: Grassroots warning systems will enhance last-mile connectivity.

• Climate Resilience: Long-term forecasting will support adaptation to climate change.

The India Meteorological Department’s severe rainfall alerts on 2025 played a crucial role in preparing India for intense monsoon activity. By issuing precise warnings for states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha the IMD enabled proactive measures to protect lives, crop and infrastructure. Supported by advanced technology like the Bharat Forecast System and Doppler radars the department continues to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness. As climate change heightens weather unpredictability the IMD’s efforts to innovate and engage communities will remain vital for a resilient India.

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