Rain Forecast – Your Quick Guide to India’s Monsoon Alerts

If you live in or travel across India, the rain forecast matters every day during the monsoon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues orange and red alerts when heavy showers are expected, and those alerts can change within hours. Knowing what the alerts mean, where rain is most likely, and how to prepare can save you time, money, and stress.

What the Current Alerts Mean

IMD’s colour‑coded system is simple. Orange means rain is likely to be heavy enough to cause local flooding or traffic snarls. Red signals danger – strong winds, lightning, or flash floods are possible. Most recent posts on our site show Delhi‑NCR on orange alert through July 31, Kolkata dealing with water‑logging, and parts of UP and Bihar under orange or yellow alerts because of a western disturbance.

When you see an orange alert, expect downpours in the afternoon and evening, especially between 2 pm and 6 pm. Temperatures usually drop a few degrees, so a light jacket can help. Red alerts are rarer but can bring hail, gusts over 60 km/h, and sudden floods. In those cases, avoid low‑lying roads and stay indoors if you can.

How to Prepare for Heavy Showers

First, check the forecast before you head out. A quick glance at the IMD portal or a trusted news site will tell you the alert level for your city. If you’re driving, plan an alternate route – many posts mention traffic snarls on Delhi’s main arteries during orange alerts. Keep a waterproof bag for your phone and documents.

Second, pack a small rain kit: a foldable umbrella, a plastic sheet, and some extra socks. It’s easy to forget these basics until you’re stuck in a bus with a soaked shirt. If you’re at home, make sure drains are clear. In Kolkata, for example, high tide combined with back‑to‑back showers can overwhelm drains, so a quick check of balcony gutters can prevent indoor flooding.

Third, watch out for power cuts. Heavy rain can knock down lines, especially when wind speeds rise. Keep a torch and a fully charged power bank nearby. If you’re attending an outdoor event – like the IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens – be ready for a possible delay. Organisers usually announce a reduced overs schedule if rain reaches a certain threshold.

Finally, stay updated throughout the day. Alerts can be upgraded from orange to red if the system intensifies. Most of our recent articles include live updates, so bookmarking the tag page for “rain forecast” gives you a one‑stop place for the latest info.

Remember, the monsoon is a natural part of life in India, but being prepared turns a soggy day into a manageable one. Keep an eye on the rain forecast, respect the alerts, and you’ll stay safe while the clouds roll in.