As October unfolds, North India is gearing up for a sharp change. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of intensified rainfall and a chilling cold snap across several states — signaling a transition in weather patterns and potential disruptions ahead.
What the IMD Forecast Says
Rainfall is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours, affecting states including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and districts in Madhya Pradesh.
In hilly areas, there’s even a possibility of heavy rain and snowfall.
In Delhi NCR, strong winds and heavy rain are forecast for October 6–7, with a Yellow Alert already issued. The overnight of October 5 may see rain in the city, aiding a drop in temperature by around October 8–10.
Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a temperature drop of up to 5 °C in some areas due to persistent rain. Districts like Varanasi, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Gorakhpur, and others are under Red / Orange alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
In Haryana, districts like Rohtak, Sonipat, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Bahadurgarh have seen heavy showers, with a Yellow Alert in place for the approaching cold phase.
Himachal Pradesh has been issued a Yellow Alert for rain and hailstorms (short term) and an Orange Alert for Monday, with strong winds (40–50 km/h) and possible snow in higher regions.
In Northern Bengal (districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar), heavy rainfall is anticipated under the influence of a low-pressure area, prompting a Red Alert.
Gujarat’s coastal districts — Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, Valsad — may get moderate to heavy rain by October 8, associated with Cyclone “Shakti.”
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Impacts & What to Expect
- Temperature drop & cold waves: Regions, especially urban ones like Delhi NCR and UP major cities, can expect a significant dip in day and night temperatures. The chill will be more intense under clear or after-rain conditions.
- Flash floods & waterlogging: Heavy downpours, especially in low-lying or poorly drained areas, could lead to flooding, surface runoff, and traffic disruption.
- Infrastructure stress: Intense winds, hail, and heavy rain may damage roofs, power lines, roads, agriculture, and other infrastructure.
- Health risks: The abrupt shift from wet to cold can aggravate respiratory issues, viral infections, or seasonal ailments.
- Agricultural damage: Crops nearing maturity or standing in the fields may be vulnerable to waterlogging, hail damage, fungal attacks, etc.
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What You Should Do
- Stay updated via IMD alerts, especially for your district or city.
- Avoid outdoor travel or exposure during intense storms or cold spells.
- Take precautions: protect vulnerable crops, secure loose structures, maintain drainage pathways.
- Dress in layers and stay warm, especially during mornings and nights.
- Make contingency plans if you are in hilly districts or flood-prone zones.
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