The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for multiple states as the southwest monsoon gains strength across the country. According to the latest forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala on June 28, raising concerns about localized flooding, landslides, and waterlogging.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have already started witnessing intense rainfall, causing river levels to rise in several districts. The IMD has cautioned state governments to stay alert, especially in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

 What Does the IMD Orange Alert Mean?

An orange alert by the IMD indicates that citizens and authorities should “be prepared” for potentially severe weather conditions. It’s the second-highest level of alert (after red) and usually means:

• Risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall (64.5 mm to 204.4 mm in 24 hours)

• Possibility of urban flooding

• Disruption to transportation, power, and daily activities

• Chance of landslides in hilly areas like Uttarakhand and Western Ghats

States under the orange alert need to activate local disaster response teams and spread public awareness to avoid accidents or emergencies.

 States Under IMD’s Orange Alert on June 28

The following four states are expected to receive widespread rainfall with isolated intense spells:

1. Uttarakhand

• Moderate to heavy rain in Dehradun, Nainital, Chamoli, and surrounding districts.

• Risk of landslides and road blockages in hilly terrain.

• Tourists advised to check weather advisories before travel.

2. Gujarat

• Heavy showers predicted in Saurashtra, Kutch, and southern Gujarat.

• Urban areas like Ahmedabad and Surat could face waterlogging.

• Fishermen warned to avoid sea activity for the next 48 hours.

3. Maharashtra

• Konkan region and parts of Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad expected to see persistent rainfall.

• Mumbai’s municipal corporation on high alert for flash flooding and traffic congestion.

• Public advised to work from home where possible.

4. Kerala

• Intense monsoon activity to continue, particularly in Kozhikode, Idukki, and Ernakulam.

• River levels rising; chances of flood-like situations in interior districts.

• Local administrations activating disaster control rooms.

 UP & Bihar: Rising Rivers and Rural Flood Concerns

Even though not under an official orange alert, both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are experiencing heavy rainfall that has begun affecting river basins.

In Uttar Pradesh:

• Rainfall has increased the water level of rivers like the Ghaghra, Rapti, and Sharda.

• Eastern UP districts such as Gorakhpur and Bahraich are witnessing localized flooding.

• The state government is monitoring embankments and deploying NDRF teams in sensitive zones.

In Bihar:

• Regions near the Gandak and Kosi rivers are on alert.

• Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Champaran have reported early signs of waterlogging.

• Officials are inspecting drainage systems and urging people to avoid low-lying zones.

Monsoon Trends: What the IMD Forecast Says

According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon has now covered most parts of central and southern India, and is rapidly moving northward. The weather department has also highlighted:

• An active monsoon trough passing through central India

• Increased moisture due to Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea winds

• Cyclonic circulation over the eastern Arabian Sea

These factors are creating ideal conditions for widespread rain over the next few days.

Forecast (June 28 to July 3):

• Scattered thunderstorms and rain in northern India including Delhi, Haryana, and parts of Punjab

• Continued heavy rainfall in the western coast (Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra)

• High humidity and cloud cover in most Indian cities

Safety Tips for Citizens During Heavy Rains

The IMD has issued precautionary guidelines for people living in affected areas:

1. Avoid unnecessary travel in orange alert zones

2. Keep emergency kits ready — torch, water, basic medicines

3. Don’t attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges

4. Stay updated through official weather apps and local news

5. Farmers advised to secure crops and livestock

For tourists heading to hill stations like Nainital or coastal towns like Goa or Alappuzha — it’s strongly recommended to recheck travel plans and confirm local weather before stepping out.

 How This Could Impact Daily Life

With heavy rains already affecting major regions, here’s how life could be impacted in the coming days:

• Commuters in metro cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad may face delays or cancellations of trains and flights.

• Schools and colleges in affected districts may announce short-term closures.

• Supply of essentials such as milk, vegetables, and fuel could be temporarily disrupted due to blocked roads or market shutdowns.

• Internet and power outages may also occur in rural areas, especially if trees or poles fall due to wind.

Digital Tools to Track the Rain

Stay one step ahead of the weather using the following platforms:

• IMD’s Mausam App (available on Android/iOS)

• https://mausam.imd.gov.in – Official portal for real-time weather alerts

• Google Maps and Apple Maps – Enable weather layers for live rain tracking

Local district administration pages and Twitter/X handles of weather departments also post timely updates.

India’s 2025 monsoon season is finally picking up pace — and it’s arriving in full force. While the rains bring much-needed relief from heat and support agriculture, they also come with risks like flooding, traffic chaos, and health issues.

With the IMD issuing an orange alert for Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala, and with rivers swelling in Bihar and UP, this is the time for both authorities and citizens to stay alert and act responsibly.

The next few days could be challenging — but with the right information, awareness, and preparedness, we can all stay safe and weather the storm.