The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ominous red alert for vast swathes of central and peninsular India, as a formidable depression intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, threatening to unleash torrential downpours over the weekend. However, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are expected to remain unaffected by this impending deluge.
Depression Intensifies, Triggers Widespread Rainfall
The meteorological phenomenon, which originated as a well-marked low-pressure system on Monday, has rapidly intensified into a depression and is now poised to make landfall near Puri, Odisha, as a depression on Saturday morning. The IMD forecasts that this depression will traverse Odisha and Chhattisgarh before gradually weakening, leaving a trail of heavy to very heavy rainfall in its wake.
Red Alert Declared for Multiple States
The IMD has sounded a red alert for Telangana, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, and Gujarat for Saturday, cautioning residents to brace for potentially catastrophic rainfall exceeding 204mm in 24 hours. An orange alert has been issued for Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kutch, and Saurashtra, signaling the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in these regions. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and eastern Rajasthan are expected to experience the brunt of the approaching system over the next three days.
Additional Weather Systems Sustain Monsoon Activity
Alongside the depression, several other weather systems are currently active, contributing to the ongoing monsoon vigor. The monsoon trough, presently positioned south of its normal location, is expected to remain there for the next few days. Furthermore, a wind shear zone between central and peninsular India and an offshore trough near Saurashtra have triggered exceptionally heavy rainfall over Kutch-Saurashtra in recent days.
Porbandar Witnesses Record-Breaking Rainfall
Porbandar in Gujarat shattered a longstanding rainfall record on Friday, receiving a staggering 490mm of rain within 24 hours. This marks the wettest July day for Porbandar since 1961, surpassing the previous record of 444.3mm set on July 16, 2009. Historical data from the IMD indicates that while Porbandar has experienced intense rainfall spells in July before, this recent deluge stands as an unprecedented event in over six decades.
Gujarat Reels Under Torrential Downpours
Several areas across Gujarat have been inundated by torrential rains in recent days, with Gir and Junagarh experiencing severe flooding. Unfortunately, the forecast offers no respite for Gujarat, as heavy rainfall is expected to persist until July 23. Other areas in Gujarat also witnessed significant rainfall on Friday, including Kalyanpur (290mm), Vanthali and Keshod (250mm), Ranavav (240mm), Patan-Veraval (190mm), and Veraval (140mm).
Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Depression intensifies over Bay of Bengal. | The well-marked low-pressure system has transformed into a depression, threatening to unleash torrential downpours across central and peninsular India. |
| Red alert issued for multiple states. | Telangana, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan, and Gujarat are on high alert for extremely heavy rainfall. |
| Other weather systems contribute to sustained monsoon activity. | The monsoon trough, wind shear zone, and offshore trough are amplifying the monsoon’s intensity. |
| Porbandar sets new rainfall record. | The city received a record-breaking 490mm of rainfall within 24 hours, making it the wettest July day since 1961. |
| Gujarat faces severe flooding and continued heavy rainfall. | Several areas in Gujarat are experiencing flooding, and heavy rainfall is expected to persist until July 23. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
