The monsoon season in India usually begins in June and gradually retreats by mid-September. But in recent years, the familiar rhythm of the rains has shifted, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) frequently extending its weather alerts into late September. This year is no exception. The IMD has issued an extreme rainfall warning for multiple states, signalling that the monsoon is lingering longer than expected. The forecasts highlight continuous heavy rainfall, flash floods, and increased risk of landslides in several regions that are supposed to impact travel plans, agricultural cycles, and daily routines across the country.
IMD Weather Forecast: Why September Still Feels Like Peak Monsoon
The IMD weather forecast indicates that moist winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal remain active, fueling persistent rainfall. Normally, rainfall weakens by the second half of September as the monsoon withdraws from northwest India. However, this year, atmospheric circulation and delayed monsoon retreat have kept the weather pattern unstable.
The IMD has cautioned that extreme rainfall warning zones cover large parts of northern, eastern, and southern India. These extreme weather conditions have created recurring challenges like urban flooding in cities, landslides in hilly regions and mountains, and waterlogging in agricultural belts. For millions who rely on accurate India weather updates, these alerts are crucial in navigating both safety and livelihood decisions.
North India: A zone with extreme rainfall warning
Delhi Weather
In the capital, Delhi, the weather has been marked by heavy rainstorms spilling over from the Himalayan foothills. The IMD forecast alerts of waterlogging, traffic jams with damaged roads, and reduced visibility due to rainstorms. The city’s low-lying areas are vulnerable to flash floods, while delayed drainage systems add to the challenge of prolonged wet spells.
Himachal Weather
For Himachal Pradesh, the situation is more perilous. The IMD has extended its extreme rainfall warning for Himachal Pradesh’s weather, highlighting the risk of cloudbursts and landslides. Roads that connect remote districts often face blockages, leaving travelers and residents stranded. Apple orchards and crops are also facing misfortune due to heavy rains and hailstorms.
Uttarakhand Weather
Similarly, Uttarakhand weather remains vulnerable. IMD has warned of landslides across hilly terrain, especially in districts like Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh. Pilgrimage routes, including Char Dham areas, remain under high alert. For residents and tourists, these forecasts are a reminder that the September monsoon extension demands extra caution in the Himalayan belt.
Western India: Maharashtra and Gujarat Facing Prolonged Showers
India’s western states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, are still dealing with heavy showers. The IMD weather forecast warns of possible urban flooding in Mumbai, where even late-September rains can disrupt the city. In Gujarat, river basins are full, and districts in Saurashtra and central regions have been cautioned about flash floods.
The IMD’s extreme rainfall warning shows that while the rain helps refill reservoirs and groundwater, it also creates problems for city planning and transportation. Cities with high populations and poor drainage systems are particularly vulnerable to waterlogging.
Eastern India: Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand Facing Flood Risks
The eastern region of India continues to remain vulnerable. According to the IMD weather forecast, Odisha and Jharkhand are expected to see heavy rainfall due to low-pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal. The September extension of rainfall has increased flood threats in several districts of Bihar, as rivers swell beyond safe levels.
Farmers in this belt rely heavily on timely India weather forecasts, as the rainfall is important to support paddy crop growth, but excess water can ruin the crop due to waterlogging. The IMD’s alerts serve as an essential tool for agricultural planning, making its extreme rainfall warnings critical for livelihood security in these states.
Southern India: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu Experience Late Monsoon
South India is also not untouched by heavy rainstorms. Kerala and coastal Karnataka continue to witness heavy rainfall, despite the calendar nearing the official monsoon retreat. The weather forecast indicates persistent thunderstorms and high humidity, often disrupting transport and power supply. In Tamil Nadu, the September rains, along with the northeast monsoon onset, create an overlap that increases uncertainty in the regional climate.
These heavy falls help to recharge groundwater but also increase risks of flooding in low-lying areas. The IMD’s extreme rainfall warning underscores the need for vigilance, particularly in coastal towns and riverfront settlements.
Northeast India: Extended Rainfall in September
India’s northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, often experience prolonged monsoon spells. This year, the IMD weather forecast again points to heavy rainfall stretching into September, raising concerns over landslides and flash floods.
The IMD notes that while rainfall here is part of the usual pattern, the intensity has been heightened due to climatic variations, making the extreme rainfall warning a critical alert for both residents and travelers in the region.
Broader Impact of Monsoon Extension
1. Agriculture
Extended rains benefit late-sown crops but risk harvest-ready fields, especially paddy, maize, and horticultural produce in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
2. Urban Flooding
Cities across India, from Delhi to Bengaluru, face prolonged waterlogging. IMD forecasts help prepare civic agencies, but infrastructure gaps worsen the crisis.
3. Travel and Tourism
Tourist hubs in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Kerala face disruptions due to landslides and heavy showers. Travelers rely on India weather alerts for safe travel planning.
Long-Term Outlook: What the IMD Suggests
The IMD report suggests that the delayed retreat of the monsoon is becoming a more frequent feature of India’s changing climate. Extended wet weather into September and October is now common, and the only reason is climate change that is making extreme rainfall warnings a familiar part of the seasonal cycle.
For anyone keeping an eye on IMD weather forecasts, it is not just about planning holidays or commutes but also about understanding broader patterns that shape agriculture, city infrastructure, and daily life.
Conclusion
The September monsoon extension explains the unpredictable nature of India’s weather. With the IMD issuing an extreme rainfall warning for several states, from Delhi weather concerns to Himachal weather landslide alerts and Uttarakhand weather disruptions, the season reminds us that monsoon no longer follows strict timelines. While the rains bring much-needed relief to dry regions and replenish water reserves, too much of it causes floods and waterlogging.
The extreme rainfall is a result of melting glaciers, cutting trees, temperature fluctuations, cloudbursts, etc. This is the high time to talk about climate change before it’s too late.
As the IMD continues to refine its weather forecast models, the responsibility falls equally on individuals and authorities to stay informed and alert. In an age where climate variability is reshaping traditional weather cycles, September’s extended rains are a reminder that the monsoon story of India is still unfolding—sometimes later, stronger, and with greater impact than expected.
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