Weather today: Red alert in Himachal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh as IMD warns of heavy rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a red nowcast warning for parts of Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, cautioning of very heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms.

An orange nowcast alert, indicating moderate spells, has also been sounded across several states including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Delhi: Yamuna above danger mark, forecast for more rain

In the national capital, the water level of the Yamuna rose beyond the danger threshold of 205.33 metres on Sunday morning, prompting concern of flooding in low-lying areas.

The warning level for the river is 204.50 metres, while evacuations are initiated once the water breaches 206 metres. Continuous rainfall over the past few days has pushed the river higher, and the level is still climbing.

The IMD has predicted a generally cloudy sky with moderate rain in Delhi until September 2.

A thunderstorm with rain is expected on September 3, followed by rain or thundershowers on September 4 and 5. Relief camps have already been set up in areas such as Mayur Vihar.

Himachal Pradesh: Rising toll and mounting disruption

Flood-ravaged Himachal Pradesh continues to bear the brunt of the monsoon.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, the cumulative death toll since June 20 has touched 320, including 166 fatalities from rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods and electrocution. Another 154 deaths have been linked to road accidents.

The latest report indicates widespread damage to infrastructure.

As of 6:00 pm on August 30, a total of 839 roads, 728 electricity distribution transformers and 456 water supply schemes were non-functional. The most severe road blockages are in Chamba, Mandi and Kullu, while three national highways - NH-03, NH-05 and NH-305 - remain shut.

Power supply has been badly hit in Chamba and Kullu, while water supply schemes in Chamba, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur have been disrupted. Restoration work is underway but continues to be hampered by heavy rainfall and the state’s difficult terrain.

Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh: Heavy spells trigger red alert

The IMD has placed several districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh under red nowcast warning, anticipating intense rainfall of more than 15 mm per hour with thunderstorms.

The meteorological department has also flagged the possibility of moderate rainfall across wider parts of both states under its orange category.