Introduction
In recent years, India has witnessed a significant rise in extreme rainfall events. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has frequently issued Extreme Rainfall Alerts and Heavy Rainfall Warnings for multiple states during the monsoon season. These alerts are not just weather forecasts but life-saving notifications that help citizens, farmers, businesses, and authorities prepare for emergencies.
This article provides a detailed 2000-word analysis of extreme rainfall alerts in India, covering their causes, the science behind such weather conditions, affected regions, IMD updates, government measures, and practical safety tips during heavy rain.
What is an Extreme Rainfall Alert?
An Extreme Rainfall Alert is issued by IMD when certain regions are expected to receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall within a specific period. According to IMD classification:
- Heavy Rainfall: 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours
- Very Heavy Rainfall: 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours
- Extremely Heavy Rainfall: More than 204.5 mm in 24 hours
When rainfall exceeds these thresholds, IMD issues alerts and warnings to ensure public safety.
Focus Keyword Usage: Extreme Rainfall Alert, Heavy Rainfall Warning, IMD Weather Update
Causes of Extreme Rainfall in India
- Monsoon Winds: India’s southwest monsoon, which lasts from June to September, is the primary source of rainfall. When monsoon winds intensify, extreme rainfall alerts are issued.
- Low-Pressure Systems: Depressions and cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea often result in heavy to extremely heavy rain over eastern and central India.
- Western Disturbances: During winter, western disturbances bring rainfall to northern India. When combined with monsoon activity, they cause severe flooding.
- Climate Change: Global warming is increasing the intensity of rainfall events. Rising sea surface temperatures add more moisture to the air, leading to frequent flood alerts.
- Urbanization: Rapid city growth reduces natural drainage, making cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru more prone to waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
IMD’s Role in Issuing Extreme Rainfall Alerts
The India Meteorological Department plays a crucial role in predicting rainfall patterns. It uses Doppler Radars, Satellite Data, and Numerical Weather Models to issue timely Heavy Rainfall Warnings.
IMD issues color-coded alerts:
- 🟢 Green: No warning
- 🟡 Yellow: Be updated
- 🟠 Orange: Be prepared
- 🔴 Red: Take action (extreme rainfall expected)
For example, when Mumbai faces a Red Alert, schools may be closed, local trains may run late, and disaster management teams remain on high alert.
Focus Keywords: IMD Weather Update, Flood Alert, Extreme Rainfall Alert
States Most Affected by Extreme Rainfall Alerts
1. Maharashtra (Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik)
Mumbai often tops the list when it comes to extreme rainfall alerts. Every monsoon, the city faces flood alerts due to heavy rain combined with high tides.
2. Kerala and Karnataka
Southern states experience intense monsoon showers, leading to landslides, flash floods, and crop damage.
3. Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh
These Himalayan states are prone to cloudbursts and flash floods. IMD frequently issues Heavy Rainfall Warnings here.
4. Delhi & NCR
Urban flooding during extreme rainfall has become common in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida due to poor drainage.
5. Bihar, Assam & Northeast India
These regions face annual flood alerts during monsoon due to overflowing rivers like the Brahmaputra and Ganga.
Climate Change and Extreme Rainfall Events
Experts believe climate change is one of the biggest reasons behind the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall alerts in India.
- Warmer air holds more moisture → heavier rainfall
- Melting glaciers add water to rivers → higher flood risks
- Sea-level rise worsens coastal flooding
The IMD Weather Update often mentions the role of climate change in shifting rainfall patterns.
Focus Keywords: Climate Change and Rainfall, Extreme Rainfall Alert, Monsoon 2025
Impact of Extreme Rainfall
- Flooding and Waterlogging – Cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru face traffic chaos and economic losses.
- Landslides – Himalayan states suffer major landslides during cloudbursts.
- Agricultural Damage – Crops like paddy and sugarcane get destroyed.
- Health Risks – Diseases like malaria, dengue, and leptospirosis spread after floods.
- Infrastructure Collapse – Roads, bridges, and buildings suffer damage during prolonged heavy rainfall.
Government Preparedness & Action Plans
The government takes multiple measures during an Extreme Rainfall Alert:
- Deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams
- Closing schools, offices, and train services during red alerts
- Using weather apps, SMS alerts, and sirens to warn citizens
- Building stronger drainage systems in urban areas
Safety Tips During Extreme Rainfall
When IMD issues an Extreme Rainfall Alert, citizens must follow these precautions:
✅ Avoid unnecessary travel during a Red Alert
✅ Stay indoors and keep emergency supplies ready
✅ Do not cross overflowing rivers or flooded roads
✅ Keep mobile phones charged for IMD weather updates
✅ Farmers should secure livestock and crops in advance
Focus Keywords: Safety Tips During Heavy Rain, Flood Alert Precautions, IMD Weather Update
Technology Helping Predict Extreme Rainfall
- Doppler Radars for real-time rainfall tracking
- Satellite Imaging for cloud and moisture monitoring
- AI and Big Data to improve weather forecasting models
- Mobile Apps for instant public alerts
Future of Rainfall Predictions in India
Experts believe that by 2030, India will experience:
- More frequent extreme rainfall alerts
- Longer monsoon seasons
- Higher risk of flash floods in urban areas
Thus, strengthening disaster management systems and increasing public awareness is crucial.
Conclusion
The rise in Extreme Rainfall Alerts across India highlights the urgent need for better climate action, urban planning, and disaster preparedness. IMD’s timely weather updates play a crucial role in saving lives, but citizens must also take these warnings seriously.
Whether it’s Mumbai’s monsoon floods, Uttarakhand’s cloudbursts, or Assam’s river flooding, extreme rainfall is becoming the new normal. By staying informed, prepared, and resilient, India can minimize the risks associated with these heavy rainfall warnings.
20 FAQs with Answers
1. What is an Extreme Rainfall Alert?
An Extreme Rainfall Alert is a warning issued by IMD (India Meteorological Department) when rainfall is expected to exceed safe limits, potentially causing floods, landslides, or severe waterlogging.
2. Who issues Extreme Rainfall Alerts in India?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the official authority that issues extreme rainfall alerts, weather warnings, and flood updates.
3. Which states in India are most affected by heavy rainfall?
Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal often face extreme rainfall during the monsoon season.
4. What is the difference between heavy rainfall and extreme rainfall?
Heavy rainfall is between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm in 24 hours, while extreme rainfall is above 204.5 mm in 24 hours, leading to severe impacts.
5. Why does India receive extreme rainfall during monsoon?
India’s monsoon is driven by southwest winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Climate change and rising sea temperatures are intensifying these rainfall events.
6. What should people do during an extreme rainfall alert?
People should avoid waterlogged areas, stay indoors, keep emergency supplies ready, and follow IMD advisories for safety.
7. Can extreme rainfall cause floods?
Yes, extreme rainfall often causes flash floods, river overflow, and urban flooding in major cities.
8. How does IMD issue rainfall warnings?
IMD issues color-coded alerts: Yellow (be aware), Orange (be prepared), and Red (take action). Extreme rainfall usually triggers a Red Alert.
9. What is the role of NDMA during heavy rainfall?
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) coordinates relief, rescue operations, and safety awareness during extreme rainfall events.
10. How is climate change linked to extreme rainfall?
Climate change is increasing sea surface temperatures, leading to more moisture in the atmosphere, which results in heavier and more frequent rainfall.
11. Which cities in India face urban flooding frequently?
Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi are highly prone to urban flooding during extreme rainfall.
12. What are the safety tips for travelers during heavy rain?
Travelers should avoid hilly roads, check IMD weather updates, carry emergency supplies, and avoid traveling at night during heavy rainfall alerts.
13. How can farmers be affected by extreme rainfall?
Farmers may face crop damage, soil erosion, and livestock loss during extreme rainfall, especially in monsoon-dependent states.
14. What is a cloudburst, and how is it related to extreme rainfall?
A cloudburst is an intense rainfall event (more than 100 mm/hour) over a small area. It often occurs in hilly states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
15. How can people prepare their homes for extreme rainfall?
People should seal leakages, store drinking water, keep backup electricity, and prepare emergency kits with food and medicines.
16. What government measures are taken during extreme rainfall?
Rescue teams, NDRF deployments, flood warnings, and relocation of vulnerable populations are standard government measures.
17. How do extreme rainfall alerts impact daily life?
Such alerts disrupt transport, electricity supply, communication, schools, and offices, especially in major cities.
18. How often does IMD update rainfall warnings?
IMD updates rainfall alerts every 3 to 6 hours depending on the severity of the weather situation.
19. What technology is used to predict extreme rainfall?
IMD uses Doppler radars, satellite imaging, and high-resolution weather models to forecast extreme rainfall.
20. Where can people check official extreme rainfall alerts?
People can visit the IMD website (mausam.imd.gov.in), download the Mausam app, or follow official IMD social media accounts for real-time alerts.
Read More:- How AI is Transforming Personal Finance Management