This year, almost 85% of India’s 1.4 billion inhabitants will be impacted by shifting rainfall patterns. For the first time in ten years, the Southwest Monsoon is accelerating. Three days ahead of schedule, it has already arrived in Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Eight states have issued orange advisories as a result of this.
Rainfall is erratic due to the Arabian Sea’s climate. Farmers’ planning and towns’ water management are being hampered by this rain. Fourteen coastal regions are on high alert for storms, and twelve large cities have strengthened their flood defenses. Due to fluctuating soil moisture, farmers in Punjab and Haryana are having to make snap planting decisions.
The weather this year is drastically different, with record-breaking rain in Bihar and dry spells in Rajasthan. To provide more precise warnings, the IMD is utilizing new AI models. However, in hilly regions with little infrastructure, there are difficulties.
Important Takeaways
- The Southwest Monsoon moves 72 hours more quickly than it has in the past.
- There are eight states with orange advisories for severe precipitation.
- Coastal areas are more vulnerable to cyclones through July.
- Advanced flood control systems are implemented in urban areas.
- Unpredictable soil moisture levels interfere with agricultural planning.
- Regional alert accuracy is increased by new forecasting technology.
Monsoon Development & Weather Warnings | Present Situation
The southwest monsoon in India is exhibiting varying patterns in various regions. Its three primary characteristics are substantial regional differences in rainfall, unstable air masses, and dual-branch dynamics. The most recent satellite data reveals significant shifts in the nation’s farming and disaster preparation.
India’s Active Monsoon Systems
Branch of the Arabian Sea versus the Bay of Bengal
With winds 18% higher than the 10-year average, the Arabian Sea branch is stronger in the west. This has significant consequences:
- 2,870 mm of rain fell in coastal Karnataka, 118% more than normal.
- Over the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, more clouds gathered.
In contrast, the troughs of the Bay of Bengal branch are weaker. Eastern states now have 23% less moisture as a result. This explains why, despite the monsoon starting on schedule, Uttar Pradesh gets 43% less rain than typical.
Engagement With Disturbances in the West
Every week, 14 extreme weather occurrences are caused by air masses colliding over Rajasthan. In the words of the India Meteorological Department (IMD):
“Western disturbances merging with monsoon currents are generating 65-75 km/h winds and isolated cloudburst conditions.”
Distribution of Rainfall by Region
Kerala and Karnataka’s coastal excess
With these levels of precipitation, the west coast is vulnerable to flooding.
| Regional Rainfall (mm) | Deviation |
|---|---|
| Kerala 2,150 | +94% |
| Karnataka 2,870 | +118% |
In Mangaluru, 12,000 sandbags were utilized in anticipation of additional rain following Tuesday’s prediction.
Eastern Uttar Pradesh’s deficit
Gorakhpur farmers are having a hard time with just 287 mm of rain, the least amount in a decade. Advisories recommend
- Selecting crops that can withstand drought
- Making use of micro-irrigation devices
- Double-checking the moisture content of the soil
According to IMD reports, the deficiency results from disturbed moisture pathways rather than a delayed monsoon onset.
Advance of the Northern Monsoon
More monsoon effects, including heavy rain, are being felt in northern India. In several important states, this has prompted emergency measures. The Central Water Commission is putting a lot of effort into monitoring storms and controlling the risk of flooding.
Delhi-NCR and Punjab are the areas most affected. It is important to keep an eye on them.
Flood Threat in Punjab and Haryana
There was a breach alert for the Satluj River. At 22 stations, the water levels are very high. According to a CWC hydrologist, discharge rates have increased by 12% since 2024.
In Ludhiana and Ferozepur, teams are placing sandbags. Their goal is to keep the embankments safe.
Alert for Satluj River Breach
Near the Ropar barrage, the Satluj River is nearly full. 47 villages are quite concerned about this. As rain warnings persist, rescue vessels are prepared to respond.
12,700 hectares of the rice belt in Haryana are under water. Crop damage in Karnal is 63%. The floods are costing farmers ₹320 million.
Waterlogging Crisis in Delhi-NCR
At ITO Bridge, the Yamuna River is 207.5 meters high. This is 1.8 meters higher than what is safe. Twelve sections of downtown Delhi have closed roads.
Day and night, municipal personnel are at work. Every hour, 7.8 million liters of water are pumped out.
The level of Yamuna at 207.5 meters
There is a risk to critical infrastructure:
- Water depth at ITO intersection: 1.2 m
- 600m of the Ring Road is closed.
- Rajghat Power Station: Activation of backup generators
Disruptions to Metro Service
Blue Line service has been discontinued by the Delhi Metro. Every day, 178,000 commuters are impacted. Due to the flooding, bus services are delayed by 45 to 90 minutes.
Rainfall Patterns in the South
This week, the monsoon is having a significant impact on southern India. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are facing distinct difficulties. Severe weather alerts are being issued by weather systems. Authorities are putting a lot of effort into managing infrastructure and responding to calamities.
Red Alert for Kerala Landslides
Emergency procedures have been triggered by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). In the Western Ghats, 47 high-risk areas have been identified. According to satellite data, these regions have soil moisture levels above 85%.
Evacuations in the Idukki District
More than 12,000 people have been evacuated from landslide-prone areas. 92% of the relief camps are full. Evacuees are being examined by medical professionals for watery illnesses.
Closings of Munnar Tea Estates
Due to flooded roadways, 18 large tea estates have ceased operations. Crop losses totaling ₹18 crore are reported by the Plantation Association.
Management of Tamil Nadu Reservoirs
Rivers are constantly monitored by water resource officials. To control water releases, they are collaborating closely with Karnataka. 25,000 cusecs have been released from Kabini Dam by Karnataka.
The capacity of Mettur Dam is 92%.
To maintain stable reservoir levels, authorities are releasing water. SMS notices regarding modifications to the irrigation schedule are being sent to farmers downstream.
Flood Prevention Strategies in Chennai
1,240 motorized pumps have been deployed by the Greater Chennai Corporation. They are strengthening embankments, updating drainage systems, and keeping an eye on subways in real time.
- Upgrades to the Velachery drainage network
- Reinforcement of the Adyar River embankment
- 78 subways are being monitored in real time.
| District | 24-hour Rainfall (mm) | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | 168 | Pump deployment finished |
| Coimbatore | 142 | Dam safety inspections |
| Idukki | 214 | Mass evacuations ongoing |
More intense rain is expected over the next 72 hours, according to meteorologists. They advise people to heed recommendations throughout the monsoon season. Every four hours, mobile networks broadcast evacuation routes in six different languages.
Weather Alerts for Western India
This week, Western India is dealing with two significant weather-related issues. Cyclones are building offshore, and coastal cities are preparing for high tides. Gujarat and Maharashtra have emergency preparations in place to protect citizens as the monsoon intensifies.
Coastal Warning for Mumbai
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be a 4.8-meter spring tide with significant precipitation on July 12–13. They discovered that these tides result in waterlogging in low-lying locations 92% of the time.
A 4.8-meter high tide is anticipated.
During high tide (10:42 AM to 2:17 PM), traffic will shift on Marine Drive and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Flooding is more likely in Dadar and Chembur since the drainage systems are only operating at 68% capacity.
Closure of the Andheri Subway
Due to the inability of the pumps to handle the 1.2-meter flooding, the JVLR Andheri subway was closed. There will be 45-minute delays, although SV Road and Link Road are open.
Cyclonic Activity in Gujarat
Overnight, depression ARB 03 became a deep depression and is currently traveling northwest at a speed of 18 km/h. Sea conditions off the coast of Saurashtra are getting worse due to 65 kmph winds, according to INSAT-3D pictures.
Tracking Depression ARB 03
The storm is predicted to reach Dwarka by the morning of July 14 and is located 380 kilometers southwest of Porbandar. Rainfall in coastal locations can range from 120 to 150 mm per day.
Advisory for Fishermen Until July 15
Six rescue boats from Veraval to Kandla are available from the Indian Coast Guard. “All fishing communities must return to harbor before midnight on July 13,” stated M. Mohapatra, the regional director.
Flood Watch for the Eastern Region
There are two major weather problems in eastern India. Inland, lightning strikes are creating lethal circumstances, while floodwaters are rising along the Ganges basin. The weather makes it difficult to get around and respond to emergencies in more than 300 towns across three states.
Emergency Procedures in the Gangetic Basin
This week, NDRF personnel reinforced 18 km of river embankments in the Jangipur subdivision of West Bengal. Since 12,000 people have been displaced by the rising waters, immediate action is required.
Operations for Relief in Maldah District
4,800 people are currently being housed in 27 relief camps along the Bhagirathi River. As of July 12, officials report that 92% of impacted families had received food handouts.
Transportation Crisis on NH-34
Commercial vehicles must take 142-kilometer detours due to the closure of important routes. Freight trucks have 14-hour delays between Berhampore and Malda, according to real-time statistics.
The Risk of Lightning Increases
In July 2025, the number of lightning-related fatalities in Odisha reached 47, the highest level in five years. Even though ISRO’s DSS app only reaches 41% of rural users, 30% of these deaths have occurred in the Mayurbhanj area.
Report on Mayurbhanj Casualties
Fourteen people, primarily farmers working in open fields, lost their lives during last week’s thunderstorms. 63 people with electrical injuries were treated at nearby hospitals.
Problems with the Warning System
2.1 million people lack real-time notifications since ground sensors are only present in 58% of high-risk areas. According to disaster management officials, improvements won’t be made until 2026.
| Relief Camps | Displaced People | Notice Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Maldah | 0 | 2789% |
| Mayurbhanj | N/A | 41% |
| Jangipur | 0 | 1576% |
Heavy rains are expected through July 18, according to meteorologists. It is anticipated that river levels will surpass those of 2019. Six eastern states have emergency plans in place.
Technical Advisories from IMD
Advanced systems have been installed by the India Meteorological Department to enhance monsoon weather forecasting. These improvements are intended to support agrarian demands as well as urban situations. For certain regions, they employ particular forecasting techniques.
Updates to the Nowcasting Protocol
With improved C-band radar, IMD’s new nowcasting system provides 15-minute updates. Authorities can respond quickly to weather changes in high-risk locations thanks to this rapid tracking.
Maharashtra-Pune Hyperlocal Warnings
Comprehensive flood predictions are provided by new models for:
- Low-lying areas close to the Mithi River
- Significant intersections of motorways
- Places where waterlogging has previously occurred
New Installations of Doppler Radar
Six new Doppler radars went into service this season. They include:
- Karnataka’s coast
- Madhya Pradesh’s eastern region
- In the floodplains of North Bengal
Bulletins on Agricultural Weather
IMD and CRIDA collaborate to provide crop-specific guidance. Twelve regional agro-met centers are used to distribute them. They assist farmers with weather-based planning.
Windows Transplanting by Paddy
The ideal times to transplant paddy in Telangana are
July 18–25
- Field capacity for soil moisture should be 85%.
- After transplanting, there should be at least 40 mm of rain.
Forecasts of Cotton Pest Risks
Systems alert users to increased risks of:
- With Vidarbha, pink bollworm
- The Marathwada whitefly
- Up in North Karnataka, Helicoverpa
Impact of Urban Infrastructure
The monsoon season of 2025 in India is testing metropolitan areas. Hyderabad and Bengaluru, two major tech hubs, are having a difficult time. Their flood control systems are malfunctioning and exhibiting serious issues.
Power Grid Vulnerabilities in Bengaluru
There are 143 submerged transformers in tech parks, according to BESCOM. This demonstrates the necessity for improved flood defense. Maintaining IT corridors is now of utmost importance.
Status of Critical Infrastructure
| Location | Affected Systems | Backup Activation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellandur Tech Park | 87 transformers offline | 70% generator capacity |
| Whitefield IT Zone | 56 power units flooded | Mobile substations deployed |
“We’re putting up real-time sensor networks in key areas because our disaster recovery plans didn’t account for the monsoon’s strength.”
Chief Engineer at BESCOM
Stress in the Hyderabad Drainage System
This is the first test of Hyderabad’s southwest drainage tunnel. The lake at Hussain Sagar is nearly full. GHMC is acting in an emergency.
- Monitoring of 68 flood-prone areas around the clock
- 150 mobile pumping units are deployed.
- Operations in a dedicated emergency control room
Metrics for Water Management
| Parameter | Current Level | Safety Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Hussain Sagar Level | 513.8 meters | 515.0 meters |
| Drainage Capacity | 2,800 m³/minute | 3,500 m³/minute |
Forty percent of the peak flow is handled by the new drainage tunnel. This lessens Madhapur’s waterlogging. Information about infrastructure for improved crisis management is now included in monsoon updates.
Disruptions in Transportation
In western India, travel has become chaotic due to heavy monsoon rains. Plans for emergency transit have been established by the authorities. More rain is predicted through mid-July, which will force cancellations and the creation of new routes.
Railway Suspensions in the Konkan
From July 10–12, Central Railway halted 19 important trains between Mumbai and Goa. This resulted from the Sahyadri mountains’ landslide hazards. Among the impacted routes are
- Mumbai Janshatabdi Express (CSMT-Madgaon)
- Special Holiday Offer for Panvel-Karmali
- Express Konkan Kanya (CSMT-Madgaon)
“Our real-time monitoring systems detected soil saturation levels exceeding safety thresholds at 11 locations,” a Konkan Railway representative stated.
Other Bus Plans
47 buses were introduced to the Mumbai-Goa highway by MSRTC. For passengers arriving at the last minute, they operate at 65% capacity. Senior citizens and medical situations are given priority boarding.
Airport Operations in Goa
On July 11, Dabolim International Airport will shut down its main runway for 14 hours. This occurs between 5 AM and 7 PM IST, when it rains the most. This is Cyclone Kyarr’s first complete monsoon closure in 2019.
Flights diverted to Mangaluru
Nine foreign flights are operated by IndiGo and Air India to Mangaluru Foreign Airport. The new Category II ILS system is to blame for this. Travelers receive:
- SMS notifications in real time about updated schedules
- Free hotel transfers within a 50-kilometer radius
- Options for priority rebooking
Crosswind protocols have been established by the Indian Airport Authority. For approaches to Goa, all aircraft must have 30% additional fuel. Using METAR data, weather forecasting teams collaborate with air traffic control.
Advisories from the Health Department
Health agencies issue particular alerts to combat diseases in high-risk locations when the amount of rain increases. To establish preventive measures, cities collaborate with national organizations. These are designed to prevent infections spread by water and insects that worsen in the rain.
How to Prevent Leptospirosis
After 47 instances of leptospirosis were reported in the Dharavi slums of Mumbai, the city’s staff moved quickly. They plan to address the problem in three stages.
Vaccinations in the Slum Areas of Mumbai
Booster injections are provided by 12 mobile clinics.
Additionally, they conduct door-to-door campaigns in 14 flood-prone districts.
Distribution of Protective Gear
- Sanitation workers receive 75,000 waterproof boots.
- 22,000 sewer workers receive rat-proof gloves.
Mapping Dengue Hotspots
Dengue cases in Delhi have skyrocketed, increasing 210% from 2024. NICD data reveals significant connections:
| Location | Breteau Index* | Water Stagnation Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 (Dwarka) | 38714.2 | Zone 7 (Rohini) |
| 2949.8 |
Updates to the Fogging Schedule
- In red zones, night fogging is now done six times a week.
- Portals for reporting mosquito breeding areas are available around the clock.
Preparedness for Disaster Response
Indian authorities are preparing robust emergency management strategies as the country’s monsoon systems become more powerful. They plan how to use resources and track storms in real time. The preparation for this year depends on these actions.
Status of NDRF Deployment
There are 45 teams active nationwide.
Forty-five teams have been established by the National Disaster Response Force in high-risk locations. Eight teams equipped with brand-new Rosenbauer fire trucks are prepared to respond quickly in Assam. This is beneficial in flood-prone locations.
Novel Amphibious Automobiles
In coastal states, 27 amphibious rescue vehicles are now prepared. They can go to work 40% quicker than they used to. For improved storm tracking, these cars also feature sophisticated GPS.
Funds for State Emergencies
Bihar’s Allocation of ₹650 Crore
The funding for disaster relief in Bihar has increased by 18% since 2024. To date, flood prevention has accounted for 63% of the funds. Compared to last year, RTI data indicates better use of funding.
Launch of the Transparency Portal
Spending in 12 catastrophe zones is tracked by a new dashboard. Within 72 hours, it received 2.1 million visits. This indicates that individuals are interested in the way emergency management monies are used.
Now, state and federal authorities collaborate to react more quickly. Compared to 2024, they reduced response times by 22%. This indicates that India is becoming more adept at managing emergency situations.
In conclusion
Every region is put to the test during India’s monsoon season. In many states, severe weather alerts have an impact on day-to-day activities. With ratings of 84 out of 100 for disaster response, Kerala and Odisha are more prepared.
Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, meanwhile, struggle and barely manage 67/100. More rain is caused by increasing Indian Ocean temperatures, according to climate scientists. They demand long-term adaptation plans.
Urban regions encounter significant obstacles. Hyderabad’s drainage is an issue, and Bengaluru’s power grid frequently malfunctions. Seventy-two teams from the National Disaster Response Force are prepared to assist.
Health professionals concentrate on avoiding illnesses like dengue and leptospirosis. They put a lot of effort into keeping people safe.
There is a lot of strain on transportation systems. 19 services on the Konkan Railway have been halted. To ensure the safety of planes, Goa’s airport has installed a new radar.
89% of users are now quickly reached by the IMD’s SMS alert system. Tamil Nadu and Punjabi farmers enjoy receiving updates. However, they would want more detailed weather predictions.
As monsoon patterns shift, cooperation is essential. Everyone must be prepared. Residents should review emergency plans and activate location alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which monsoon systems are now impacting India?
Both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea branches are operational. They are interacting with western disturbances over Rajasthan, according to IMD satellite data. In the northwest states, this interplay produces unstable conditions that result in a cloud density that is 72% greater than usual.
Which areas experience severe rainfall shortfalls this monsoon season?
The 43% rainfall deficiency in eastern Uttar Pradesh has an impact on the sowing of kharif crops. In contrast, coastal Karnataka has had 118% higher rainfall than normal. There have been 19 days with more than 50 mm of rain in Mangaluru.
What flood risks are present in the agricultural areas of northern India?
A breach in the Satluj River in the Ropar region of Punjab prompted the Central Water Commission to issue notifications. There is a risk of submersion in Haryana’s Karnal rice belt. Metro Blue Line service was suspended as the Yamuna River in Delhi rose to 207.5 meters.
How is Southern India handling harsh weather events?
In response to NDMA’s landslide warnings, 8,400 people in Kerala’s Idukki district were evacuated. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are negotiating water release procedures. Chennai installed 1,240 motorized pumps in areas that are vulnerable to flooding.
What coastline warnings are in effect for Western India?
The landfall of Depression ARB 03 and 4.8-meter high tides pose a hazard to Mumbai. Andheri Subway was permanently closed by BMC. The Indian Coast Guard has nine rescue vessels off the coast of Porbandar in Gujarat.
How successful are the lightning systems in Odisha?
In a 72-hour period, 14 people were killed by lightning in the Mayurbhanj region, despite ISRO’s DSS app. In 23 high-risk blocks, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force tests sirens at the village level.
What urban infrastructure issues surfaced during monsoon season?
There were 143 flooded transformers in Bengaluru’s Bellandur tech corridor. Infosys and Wipro turned on diesel backups. As Hussain Sagar Lake approaches overflow capacity, Hyderabad’s GHMC maintains emergency control rooms around the clock.
How are transit systems adjusting to the interruptions caused by the monsoon?
Konkan Railway sent up 84 MSRTC buses as backups after suspending 19 trains until July 12. In order to prevent monsoon infections, Goa’s Dabolim Airport will close Runway 08/26 on July 11 during high tide, rerouting 28 flights to Mangaluru International Airport.
What health precautions are being taken in flood-affected areas?
BMC provided 18,000 protective gear kits and vaccinated 47,000 inhabitants of Dharavi against leptospirosis. Following NICD-identified Aedes aegypti breeding index scores over 35%, Delhi’s Municipal Corporation zones 4 (Sultanpur Majra) and 7 (Hastsal) experienced emergency fogging.
How do the NDRF’s 2025 reaction capabilities stack up to prior years?
The average response time for NDRF increased to 82 minutes with 45 operational teams and 12 new amphibious Rosenbauer vehicles. The Jan Samarth platform now allows for real-time tracking of expenditures for Bihar’s ₹650 crore emergency fund.
