Cloudburst Triggers Flash Flood in J&K’s Rajouri, Four Dead; Houses and Infrastructure Washed Away

A powerful cloudburst triggered a devastating flash flood in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving at least four people dead and causing extensive damage to houses, roads, vehicles and other infrastructure.

The cloudburst reportedly occurred on July 19 at multiple locations in the hilly Rajdhani area of Thanamandi subdivision. Local residents said the sudden surge of water through the area’s nallahs caused widespread destruction. (Republic World)

Houses, Roads Washed Away

The impact was particularly severe in Rajdhani Panchayat, where roads and agricultural land were damaged and several landslides were reported.

The main bus stand was washed away, while several vehicles were swept away by the floodwaters. Residential properties were also damaged, with at least one house occupied by a family of six completely washed away. The displaced family reportedly took shelter in a government school. (Republic World)

Residents Recall Terrifying Night

Residents described the flood as an unusually intense event. One affected resident told ANI that the family was inside their house when they heard the sound of the swollen river and rolling boulders before the floodwaters reached the property.

The resident said the family managed to escape, but the house was completely destroyed. (Republic World)

Four People Killed

The disaster claimed four lives, making the July 19 incident one of the more destructive weather-related events reported in the Rajouri district in recent times.

The flooding also damaged public infrastructure, vehicles, agricultural land and roads across affected areas. (Republic World)

Heavy Rain Threat Continues

Residents in the higher reaches remain concerned about the possibility of further heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous areas to sudden extreme-weather events.

The Rajouri incident comes amid repeated episodes of intense rainfall and flash flooding across parts of Jammu and Kashmir during this year's monsoon season. (The Economic Times)

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation Council will hold its first regular council meeting of the year on Wednesday, with the opposition preparing to raise issues related to damaged roads, waterlogging and sanitation despite these matters not being part of the official agenda.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 11 am at the ISBT meeting hall. With several civic issues affecting residents during the monsoon, opposition councillors have questioned why matters directly concerning the city's residents have not been included for discussion.

Opposition Targets City Government

Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki said public-interest issues have repeatedly been left out of council meetings. She said the opposition had sought discussion on such matters during the previous meeting as well, but the demand was not accepted.

The opposition is expected to question the civic administration over the condition of roads, drainage and sanitation during the meeting.

Senior councillor Yogendra Singh Guddu Chauhan said several roads in Bhopal have deteriorated following heavy rainfall. Waterlogging has also affected several low-lying areas, while sanitation arrangements remain a concern in parts of the city.

Roads Damaged After Rain

Heavy rainfall over the past few days has damaged roads across several parts of Bhopal. In some areas, potholes and dug-up stretches have made movement difficult for motorists and pedestrians.

Opposition councillors are expected to seek an explanation from the municipal administration on the condition of these roads and the timeline for repairs.

Waterlogging is another issue likely to come up during the meeting, particularly in low-lying areas where heavy rain has resulted in accumulation of water.

Sanitation Also Under Question

Sanitation is another major civic concern during the monsoon. Opposition councillors have alleged that cleaning arrangements in several areas are inadequate.

They are likely to ask why sanitation and drainage-related issues have not been included in the council's agenda despite their direct impact on residents.

Questions Before Proposals

The council meeting will begin with a question-and-answer session, allowing councillors to raise questions before the listed proposals are taken up.

The meeting will subsequently consider items approved by the Mayor-in-Council (MIC).

According to the scheduled agenda, the meeting will conclude with a proposal concerning the rental of a vacant municipal building.

First Regular Meeting of Year

Wednesday's meeting is being described as the first regular council conference of the year in which councillors will be able to raise questions and discuss the MIC-approved agenda.

Two other council meetings have already been held this year, but they were focused on specific subjects. One dealt with women's empowerment, while another concerned new rules related to waste management. Councillors did not have the same question-and-answer format during those meetings.

Possibility of Heated Exchange

With public-interest civic issues absent from the formal agenda, the opposition is expected to use the question-and-answer session to raise matters concerning roads, rainwater drainage and sanitation.

The condition of roads following the monsoon and repeated waterlogging are likely to be among the key issues that could lead to heated exchanges between opposition councillors and the ruling side.

The municipal council meeting will therefore provide an opportunity for councillors to seek responses from the civic administration on the city's monsoon preparedness and ongoing infrastructure problems.

Madhya Pradesh is seeing another spell of intense monsoon activity, with Dindori receiving continuous rain since around 5 am on Wednesday. Rivers and streams in the district have risen sharply, and the water flowing over some culverts has disrupted road connectivity to several villages. The weather department has also issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Tikamgarh, Panna and Narsinghpur, where 100 to 200 mm of rain could fall in the next 24 hours.

The situation in Dindori remained unsettled through the morning as rain continued without a significant break. Local reports said water levels in rivers and drains were rising and dozens of villages had been cut off from the district headquarters. The Roara drain was also reported to be overflowing, with water flowing over a culvert. Officials are keeping an eye on low-lying areas as the rain continues.

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the depression that was active over Jharkhand on August 18 has made eastern Madhya Pradesh one of the main centres of rainfall activity. The system is influencing Vindhya, Bundelkhand and Mahakoshal, where heavy to extremely heavy rain is expected on August 19. Rain activity is likely to gradually spread towards central and western parts of the state between August 20 and 24.

The rainfall comes at a time when Madhya Pradesh is still running below its normal seasonal rainfall. According to the Meteorological Centre, the state has received around 573.1 mm, or 22.6 inches, of rain so far. Normal rainfall for this period is around 651.4 mm, or 25.6 inches. That leaves the state about 12 per cent below normal, with the eastern region recording a deficit of around 16 per cent and the western region around 9 per cent.

Several districts continue to remain in deficit despite the latest spell. In the eastern part of the state, districts across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded below-normal rainfall. Dindori, Panna, Narsinghpur, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sagar and other districts are among those facing rainfall deficits. Some districts have recorded deficits ranging from 4 per cent to more than 50 per cent.

The western part of the state has also seen uneven rainfall. Areas including Indore, Dhar, Ratlam, Neemuch, Raisen, Sehore, Ujjain, Vidisha and Shivpuri are among the districts that have recorded below-average rainfall. At the same time, districts such as Anuppur, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Umaria, Bhopal, Gwalior, Khandwa, Khargone and Rajgarh have received more than their normal rainfall.

The changing weather pattern is also being watched because of the water level in major reservoirs. Nine gates of the Bargi Dam have been opened to release water, adding to the need for caution in downstream areas. With rivers and local drains already running high, further heavy rain could create problems in low-lying villages and on rural roads.

The current spell follows an uneven monsoon season. June ended with a rainfall deficit, while July saw periods of heavy rain followed by breaks in monsoon activity. Another strong weather system became active towards the end of the period, improving rainfall in several areas, though the overall deficit has not yet been fully recovered.

For now, the focus remains on eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, particularly Dindori, Panna, Tikamgarh and Narsinghpur. If the current system remains active, officials may have to monitor roads, bridges and water bodies closely. Residents in areas near rivers and overflowing drains have also been advised to remain cautious as the situation develops.

The Kanhar River has risen sharply in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district as heavy rain continues in parts of Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Water has reached the CC road in Ward No. 9 of Ramanujganj town after what has been described as the biggest flood-like situation in the area this season. The local administration and municipal authorities have increased vigilance as the river continues to flow strongly.

Rain activity is expected to continue across Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at several places on Wednesday, with heavy showers possible in some areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely at isolated locations. The weather remains active because of a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining northern West Bengal, which is moving west-northwest and influencing rainfall over the region.

The system is expected to move further through Jharkhand and Bihar during the next 24 hours and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area. Its movement, along with an active monsoon trough, is contributing to the current rainfall pattern in Chhattisgarh. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is also present over eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas, adding to the weather activity.

In Balrampur, the heavy rain has pushed the Kanhar River close to residential and road areas. Water reaching the CC road in Ward 9 has increased concern among residents living in lower-lying parts of Ramanujganj. Officials and municipal teams are keeping watch on the situation, particularly as further rain could cause the river level to rise again. The exact extent of flooding will depend on rainfall in the river’s catchment areas and the movement of the weather system.

Raipur has also been seeing frequent rain for the past three days. The capital has remained under cloudy conditions, with intermittent showers continuing. On Wednesday, another spell of rain or thunderstorm activity was possible in the city. The maximum temperature was expected to remain around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could stay near 24 degrees.

Across the state, temperatures have remained relatively moderate because of the persistent cloud cover and rainfall. Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Durg recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The state-wide maximum temperature was around 26 degrees, with the minimum close to 23 degrees.

The weather department has advised caution in areas that receive intense rainfall, particularly where water levels in rivers and streams are already rising. Lightning is another concern during thunderstorms, and people are advised to avoid exposed areas during such spells. In Balrampur-Ramanujganj, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Kanhar River and keeping residents in vulnerable areas informed.

The rain is expected to continue for at least the next two days, although its intensity may vary from one district to another. For now, the situation in Ramanujganj remains under watch as authorities assess the river level and the possibility of further water entering low-lying areas.

The monsoon has intensified across several parts of India, with heavy rainfall triggering waterlogging, flooding and landslides in multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have reported significant weather-related disruptions, while the India Meteorological Department has issued rain alerts for several regions over the next two days.

In Lucknow, intense rainfall on Saturday left roads and residential areas waterlogged. Several parts of the Uttar Pradesh capital were inundated after around three hours of heavy rain, with water reaching nearly two feet in some locations.

Meanwhile, rising river levels have increased the flood threat in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna and Sharda are reported to be flowing at elevated levels. In Chitrakoot, the rising Mandakini River has affected nearby settlements, with floodwater entering homes in some colonies.

Lucknow Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy rainfall brought parts of Lucknow to a standstill, with roads turning into stretches of stagnant water. Residential areas and low-lying locations were among the worst affected.

The latest spell has added to concerns over drainage and waterlogging in the city as the monsoon remains active across Uttar Pradesh.

The rising water levels of several rivers are also being closely monitored, particularly in districts located along major river systems.

Chitrakoot River Levels Rise

In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River has risen rapidly following heavy rainfall in the region. Floodwater reached colonies located near the river and entered some houses.

The situation has raised concerns for residents living in low-lying areas as rainfall continues in parts of the state.

A bridge connecting areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was also reported to have been submerged, affecting movement in the region.

Odisha Evacuates Over 95,000

Odisha has been among the states most affected by the latest spell of heavy rain. Flooding disrupted normal life across six districts, with more than 95,000 people evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas following heavy rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

In Jajpur district, the Kani River rose sharply at Dasarathpur, causing water to accumulate across nearby areas.

An under-construction bridge over the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani, was washed away by floodwaters. The incident disrupted connectivity and highlighted the impact of the sudden rise in river levels.

The state remains under a heavy rainfall alert through August 18.

Himachal Reports 183 Deaths

Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed significant monsoon-related losses. According to the latest figures, 183 people have died in rain- and monsoon-related incidents between June 30 and August 15.

As of Saturday evening, 103 roads remained closed across the hill state due to landslides, flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides and road blockages.

Army Personnel Missing in Arunachal

In Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving five Army personnel missing.

The Army said two soldiers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining personnel. Multiple Army teams and helicopters have been deployed for relief and search operations.

Elsewhere in Upper Subansiri district, a landslide reportedly killed four people.

Uttarakhand Dam Near Danger Mark

In Uttarakhand, the water level at Tehri Dam has reached the danger mark amid continuing rainfall and rising water levels.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as heavy rain is expected to continue in parts of the state.

Red Alert in Odisha, Bengal

The weather situation is expected to remain active over the next two days.

For August 17, a red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Odisha and West Bengal. An orange alert is in place for Assam-Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh.

A yellow alert covers Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Konkan-Goa, Sikkim and several northeastern states.

For August 18, an orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha, while several northern, central and northeastern states remain under yellow alerts.

With rivers already running high in several regions, authorities are expected to maintain close surveillance of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas as the latest monsoon spell continues.

Chhattisgarh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall, with the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rain at several places in the northern parts of the state. The wet spell is expected to continue for the next two days before rainfall activity gradually decreases.

During the past 24 hours, parts of the Surguja division recorded heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Kusmi received the highest rainfall at 180 mm (7.1 inches), while Daura Kochli, Biharapur and Pratappur recorded around 130 mm (5.1 inches) each.

Depression Drives Rainfall

According to the weather department, a depression located over Jharkhand and adjoining areas of West Bengal remains active. Its influence is expected to keep rainfall activity strong over northern Chhattisgarh during the next two days.

Several areas may also experience thunderstorms, lightning and heavy showers during this period. After the next two days, rainfall activity is expected to gradually weaken.

Rain Forecast for Raipur

The state capital is likely to remain cloudy on Saturday, August 15. The weather department has forecast spells of rain or thundershowers in Raipur, with the possibility of lightning during some periods.

The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 27°C, while the minimum temperature could be close to 25°C.

Temperature Across State

Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature in Chhattisgarh at 32.2°C, while Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22°C.

Several parts of the state received light to moderate rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

Rainfall Deficit Continues

Despite the recent showers, Chhattisgarh has received slightly less rainfall than normal since the beginning of the monsoon season.

Between June 1 and August 13, the state recorded 668.8 mm (26.3 inches) of rainfall against the normal 734.4 mm (28.9 inches) for the period. This represents a deficit of 65.6 mm (2.6 inches), or 9 per cent.

The overall rainfall situation in the state, however, remains within the normal category.

Narayanpur Leads Rainfall

On a district-wise basis, Narayanpur has recorded the highest cumulative rainfall so far at 1,043.9 mm (41.1 inches). Its normal rainfall for the period is 780.7 mm, making the actual rainfall 34 per cent above normal.

Other districts with high rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh with 948.2 mm, Bijapur with 870.6 mm, Janjgir with 857.3 mm and Mahasamund with 835.6 mm.

Sarangarh Sees Highest Surplus

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest rainfall surplus in the state. Against normal rainfall of 598.2 mm, the district has received 948.2 mm, which is 59 per cent above normal.

Narayanpur follows with a 34 per cent surplus, while rainfall in Mungeli is 32 per cent above normal. Balodabazar, Mahasamund and Janjgir have recorded surpluses of 28 per cent, 26 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.

Surguja Faces Biggest Deficit

Surguja has recorded the state's largest rainfall deficit. The district has received 379.6 mm against normal rainfall of 773.2 mm, resulting in a 51 per cent deficit.

Jashpur has recorded a 45 per cent deficit, followed by Bemetara at 40 per cent, Kanker at 35 per cent, Surajpur at 22 per cent, and Bastar and Kabirdham at 21 per cent each.

Raipur Above Normal

Raipur has received 727.8 mm (28.7 inches) of rainfall up to August 13, compared with its normal rainfall of 641.9 mm (25.3 inches). This means the capital has received 85.9 mm, or 13 per cent, more rainfall than normal.

Overall, 20 of Chhattisgarh's 33 districts are currently in the normal rainfall category, while six districts have received above-normal rainfall and seven remain below normal.

Chhattisgarh is likely to see an increase in rainfall activity over the next 48 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state. North and central Chhattisgarh are expected to receive the most intense showers, with isolated areas potentially recording extremely heavy rainfall.

The weather system is also expected to bring some relief from the prevailing temperatures. The maximum temperature may fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next two days.

Depression to Intensify Rainfall

According to the weather department, a low-pressure area that had formed over coastal West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh has strengthened into a depression.

The system is moving west-northwestwards and is expected to move towards Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand during the next 24 hours. Its movement is likely to increase rainfall activity across Chhattisgarh.

The state is expected to remain under the influence of the active monsoon system for the next three days, after which rainfall activity may gradually ease.

Rain, Thunderstorms in Raipur

The state capital Raipur is likely to remain cloudy on August 14, with intermittent rain and thundershowers expected at some places.

The maximum temperature in the city is likely to remain around 28°C, while the minimum temperature may settle near 25°C.

During the previous 24 hours, Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature at 32.8°C, while Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.6°C.

What Is a Wind Shear Zone?

A wind shear zone refers to an area of the atmosphere where wind speed or direction changes significantly with altitude.

Such variations can make the atmosphere unstable and support the development of clouds and thunderstorms. When combined with an active monsoon system, a shear zone can contribute to increased rainfall activity across affected areas.

Chhattisgarh Rainfall Near Normal

Despite variations between districts, the overall rainfall situation in Chhattisgarh remains within the normal category.

Between June 1 and August 13, the state received 668.8 mm of rainfall, against the normal average of 734.4 mm for the period.

This represents a rainfall deficit of 65.6 mm, or around 9 per cent. However, the state's overall seasonal rainfall continues to remain within the normal range according to the available weather data.

Narayanpur Records Highest Rainfall

Among the districts, Narayanpur has recorded the highest rainfall so far this monsoon season, receiving 1,043.9 mm against its normal rainfall of 780.7 mm.

This is around 34 per cent above normal.

Other districts that have received substantial rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh with 948.2 mm, Bijapur with 870.6 mm, Janjgir with 857.3 mm and Mahasamund with 835.6 mm.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Gets 59% More Rain

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest increase over its normal rainfall figure. The district has received 948.2 mm, compared with its normal rainfall of 598.2 mm, making the rainfall 59 per cent above normal.

Narayanpur has recorded 34 per cent excess rainfall, followed by Mungeli at 32 per cent, Balodabazar at 28 per cent, Mahasamund at 26 per cent and Janjgir at 24 per cent.

Surguja Faces 51% Rainfall Deficit

Several districts, however, continue to face significant rainfall shortages. Surguja has recorded the highest deficit at 51 per cent.

The district received 379.6 mm of rainfall against the normal figure of 773.2 mm. Jashpur has recorded a 45 per cent deficit, followed by Bemetara at 40 per cent and Kanker at 35 per cent.

Surajpur has a 22 per cent deficit, while Bastar and Kabirdham have recorded deficits of 21 per cent each.

Raipur Receives 13% Excess Rainfall

Raipur has received above-normal rainfall during the current monsoon season. As of August 13, the city had recorded 727.8 mm of rainfall, compared with the normal figure of 641.9 mm.

This means Raipur has received 85.9 mm, or 13 per cent, more rainfall than normal.

Of the state's 33 districts, 20 are currently in the normal rainfall category, while six have received above-normal rainfall and seven remain below normal.

With heavy rainfall expected over the next 48 hours, residents in northern and central parts of Chhattisgarh should remain alert to local weather warnings, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and flash flooding.

A 30-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck by lightning while grazing cattle in a field in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district on Thursday evening.

The incident took place in the Raipur Karchuliyan police station area, where the woman, identified as Saroj Yadav, was caught in the lightning strike amid rain and thunderstorms.

According to information available, Saroj, a resident of Padra village, had gone to a nearby field to graze cows and buffaloes. The weather reportedly changed suddenly while she was in the field, followed by rainfall and intense thunder.

Before she could reach a safer location, lightning struck in the area, leaving her severely injured.

Severe Burns Reported

The lightning strike caused burns extending from Saroj's waist to her legs, according to her family.

People nearby helped her after the incident and informed her relatives. Family members reached the spot and immediately took her for medical treatment.

After receiving initial treatment, Saroj was referred to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa for further care.

Admitted to Burn Ward

Doctors at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital admitted Saroj to the burn ward, where she is undergoing treatment and remains under medical observation.

Her family members are concerned about her condition as she suffered extensive burns in the incident.

Weather Changed Suddenly

According to the family, Saroj was grazing cattle when rain began in the area. The lightning struck soon after the weather deteriorated.

The incident highlights the risks faced by people working outdoors during thunderstorms, particularly when lightning activity increases during the monsoon.

 Varsha Ritu, or the rainy season, is one of the six seasons described in the traditional Hindu calendar. In India, the season is closely associated with the southwest monsoon, cooler temperatures after the summer heat and the return of greenery across large parts of the country.

According to the Hindu calendar tradition, Shravana and Bhadrapada are associated with Varsha Ritu. In the Gregorian calendar, this period broadly corresponds to the monsoon months.

As per the supplied Panchang information for Ujjain, Varsha Ritu 2026 will begin on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

When Is Varsha Ritu 2026?

Varsha Ritu 2026 is listed for August 13, Thursday.

For Ujjain, the important timings provided for the date are:

• Date: August 13, 2026

• Day: Thursday

• Sunrise: 6:06 AM

• Sunset: 6:57 PM

The timings are location-specific and may differ in other parts of India.

What Is Varsha Ritu?

Varsha Ritu literally refers to the rainy season. It follows the hot summer period and is characterised by increased rainfall, cloudy weather and a rise in vegetation.

The arrival of the monsoon brings relief from intense summer temperatures in many regions. Rainfall also plays a crucial role in agriculture, replenishing water sources and supporting crops and vegetation.

In the traditional Indian seasonal cycle, Varsha Ritu is one of the six Ritus: Vasanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Varsha (monsoon), Sharad (autumn), Hemanta (pre-winter) and Shishira (winter).

Shravana and Bhadrapada

Varsha Ritu is traditionally associated with the Hindu months of Shravana and Bhadrapada.

These months are particularly important in the Hindu religious calendar, as several major festivals and observances take place during this period.

The monsoon landscape also gives the season its distinctive character, with rainfall transforming dry surroundings into greener landscapes.

Festivals During Varsha Ritu

Several major Hindu festivals are observed during the monsoon season.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravana. The festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, with sisters traditionally tying a Rakhi around their brothers' wrists and praying for their well-being.

Krishna Janmashtami is observed during the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Bhadrapada month. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with prayers, devotional programmes and midnight observances in many parts of India.

Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of Bhadrapada. The festival is particularly prominent in Maharashtra and several western and southern states, where public and household celebrations are held.

Onam, Kerala's major harvest festival, is also associated with this period. The celebrations commemorate the traditional story of King Mahabali and include religious ceremonies, cultural programmes and elaborate feasts.

Importance of the Monsoon

Varsha Ritu has significance beyond religious observances. India's agriculture remains closely dependent on the monsoon, making rainfall an important factor for farmers and the rural economy.

The seasonal rains replenish reservoirs, rivers and groundwater sources while supporting crops and natural vegetation.

The monsoon also influences temperatures and weather patterns across the country, although rainfall varies significantly between regions.

Varsha Ritu and Nature

The rainy season is traditionally viewed as a period when nature becomes vibrant again after the heat of summer.

Regular rainfall supports the growth of plants and trees and contributes to the characteristic green landscape associated with the season.

The period also coincides with a large number of religious observances, creating a close connection between India's seasonal cycle, agriculture, nature and cultural traditions.

Varsha Ritu 2026: Important Timings

Timings are provided for Ujjain, India, and may vary according to location.

Heavy rainfall continued across several parts of north and central India over the past 24 hours, triggering waterlogging and flood-like conditions in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Several areas reported severe waterlogging, overflowing rivers and disruption to normal life as monsoon systems remained active over the region.

Bhopal Gets Over 7 Inches

Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past two days. The city recorded more than 7 inches of rain in 24 hours, leading authorities to keep schools closed for two days.

Water reportedly accumulated to nearly 5 feet in some parts of the city, affecting more than 1,000 houses and disrupting movement in several neighbourhoods.

A low-pressure area is currently active over Madhya Pradesh, while the monsoon trough is passing through the Gwalior region. The weather system is drawing moisture into the state and is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in 11 districts.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious as water levels continue to rise in several locations.

Orange Alert in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has also witnessed intense rainfall, particularly across the Hadoti region.

The weather department has issued an orange alert for six districts and a yellow alert for 17 districts amid the possibility of further heavy rain.

Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar recorded up to 12 inches of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

The situation worsened after the gates of the Kalisindh and Chhapi dams were opened, resulting in flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas.

Cars Swept Away in Bundi

Heavy rainfall caused extensive waterlogging in Bundi, where vehicles parked along roads were reportedly swept away by rapidly moving floodwater.

The incident highlighted the dangers posed by sudden water accumulation and strong currents in urban areas following intense rainfall.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable locations and assessing the impact of the continuing downpour.

Flood Risk Rises in UP

Parts of Uttar Pradesh have also been affected by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

In Saharanpur, a bridge built over the Gangrao River was damaged after a sudden rise in the river's flow.

The rising level of the Ganga has also increased concerns in low-lying areas. Reports said water entered around 25 houses, forcing residents to remain alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

Two Rescued in Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district, two young men were swept away by strong currents near Narhara Waterfall during heavy rainfall.

Local residents managed to rescue both men.

Authorities have repeatedly warned people against entering rivers, waterfalls and other water bodies during periods of heavy rain because water levels can rise rapidly without warning.

Families Move to Safer Areas

In Bihar's Khagaria district, residents of the Diyara region have started moving towards safer locations amid concerns over rising water levels.

Several families were seen relocating along with their livestock as a precaution.

The Diyara areas, which are situated close to river channels, are particularly vulnerable to flooding when rivers swell during the monsoon.

Waterlogging in Haryana

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in Haryana's Gohana, where Jind Road was waterlogged.

Accumulated rainwater affected traffic movement and created difficulties for commuters.

With monsoon systems remaining active across several states, authorities are keeping a close watch on rainfall, river levels and vulnerable low-lying areas.

The coming hours will be crucial for Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where further heavy rainfall could worsen waterlogging and flood conditions.

Typhoon Dolphin has brought intense rainfall, flooding and widespread disruption to parts of eastern China, while its influence is also being felt thousands of kilometres away in India. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall in India, its large-scale atmospheric circulation could temporarily affect the development of rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal.

The typhoon made landfall in China on Sunday evening, August 9, and continued to bring heavy rain to several provinces on Monday. Authorities warned of further flooding and landslide risks as the system moved northward.

For India, however, the concern is different. Meteorologists are watching whether Dolphin's interaction with the broader Asian atmospheric circulation could reduce the moisture available over the Bay of Bengal, potentially weakening monsoon systems over central, eastern and northern parts of the country.

Typhoon Hits China

Typhoon Dolphin made its first landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province at around 5:30 pm local time on Sunday before making another landfall near Wenzhou roughly an hour later, according to Chinese meteorological authorities.

The storm weakened after moving inland but continued to produce torrential rainfall across several regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Henan and Shandong. Shanghai was also badly affected, with flooding reported in several areas.

The extreme weather disrupted transportation across the region. Shanghai's two major passenger airports cancelled hundreds of flights, while some railway and public transport services were temporarily suspended.

Authorities had taken precautionary measures before the storm arrived. More than one million people were evacuated from parts of Shanghai, while large-scale evacuations were also carried out in Wenzhou and Taizhou.

Several tourist attractions and public facilities were closed as authorities warned residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement.

Wider Regional Impact

The effects of Dolphin have extended beyond mainland China. Hong Kong experienced unusually high temperatures as warm air associated with the storm moved across the region.

Parts of Japan's Okinawa region also experienced strong winds, while the Philippines reported a landslide in Baguio that resulted in people being rescued and others reported missing.

These developments highlight how powerful tropical systems can influence weather patterns well beyond their immediate path.

Why India Is Watching Dolphin

India is not directly in the path of Typhoon Dolphin. The concern is instead linked to the storm's influence on the wider atmospheric circulation across Asia.

Large tropical cyclones can draw substantial amounts of heat and moisture towards their circulation. When such a system becomes active in the western Pacific, it can alter the distribution of moisture and atmospheric energy across the region.

For India's monsoon, this matters because the Bay of Bengal is an important source of moisture for low-pressure areas and depressions that move inland and produce widespread rainfall.

If the atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal become less favourable for the formation of these systems, rainfall activity over parts of central, eastern and northern India could temporarily weaken.

Monsoon Moisture Under Pressure

Weather experts have described the situation as a competition for atmospheric moisture and energy.

Typhoon Dolphin is concentrating significant moisture around its circulation. At the same time, changes in upper-level winds associated with the storm could influence the position and behaviour of the monsoon trough.

The result could be a temporary disruption in the sequence of low-pressure systems normally responsible for transporting moisture from the Bay of Bengal into the Indian subcontinent.

However, this does not mean that the Indian monsoon is disappearing or that Dolphin has directly "stolen" India's rainfall.

The monsoon is controlled by a complex interaction involving ocean temperatures, atmospheric circulation, pressure patterns, the monsoon trough and weather systems developing across the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.

What Happens Next?

The key question is whether another low-pressure system will develop over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days.

If favourable conditions return, rainfall activity could strengthen again across parts of India. If the broader atmospheric pattern remains disturbed, some regions could experience a temporary reduction in rainfall.

The impact of Typhoon Dolphin therefore needs to be viewed as part of a much larger Asian weather pattern rather than as a direct cause of India's monsoon behaviour.

For now, the storm's immediate threat remains concentrated in China, where authorities continue to monitor flooding and landslide risks. In India, weather agencies and meteorologists will be watching the Bay of Bengal closely for signs of the next monsoon system.

 Madhya Pradesh is witnessing another spell of rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heavy rainfall alert for Panna, Satna and Rewa on Saturday. The three districts could receive up to four inches of rain in the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain was also reported in Dindori on Saturday morning, while Shivpuri witnessed intense rainfall through the night, causing rivers and streams to swell and water to enter several villages.

The IMD has forecast light rain or drizzle in several other parts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur.

Shivpuri Roads Cut Off

Shivpuri experienced heavy rain on Friday night, particularly around the Pichhore area between 1 am and 3 am.

The rising water level of the Mahuar River led to the closure of the Khod-Pichhore road. Water also entered several villages, including Gurukudvaya.

Fields were inundated, raising concerns about damage to standing crops. In Karera, the river was seen flowing with a strong current for the first time this monsoon season.

While the rainfall brought some relief to residents, the district continues to face a rainfall deficit compared with last year.

MP Records 20% Rainfall Deficit

According to the IMD, Madhya Pradesh has received an average of around 16.8 inches of rainfall so far this monsoon season, against the expected 21 inches during the period.

This represents a deficit of around 4.2 inches, or 20 per cent.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall is around 37.3 inches. Despite fresh rain in several areas, the overall rainfall figure remains below normal.

29 Districts Receive Less Rain

The eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions, have recorded around 23 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Districts reporting rainfall deficits include Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria.

Deficits in these districts range between around 5 per cent and 48 per cent.

The western parts of the state, covering Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal divisions, have recorded around 17 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Six Districts Above Normal

Only six districts in the western part of the state have recorded rainfall above their average levels so far.

These include Gwalior, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Khandwa and Khargone.

Officials said the overall rainfall pattern remains uneven, with some areas receiving intense spells while several other districts continue to face a deficit.

June and July Also Below Normal

Madhya Pradesh recorded around 14 per cent less rainfall in June.

Although rainfall increased during the initial part of July, the monsoon subsequently went through two breaks, resulting in several relatively dry days.

A strong weather system became active again during the final week of July, bringing rain to several parts of the state. Despite the renewed activity, July rainfall remained around 13 per cent below normal, according to the weather department.

Bhopal's August Rainfall Record

August is generally an active monsoon month in Bhopal. The city's highest monthly August rainfall was around 35 inches in 2006.

The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in August was nearly 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Bhopal also received more than 30 inches of rain during August in 2015 and 2022. The city normally receives rain on around 14 days during the month.

Indore's Record Rainfall

Indore's highest August rainfall is around 28 inches, recorded in 1944.

The city's highest 24-hour August rainfall was recorded on August 22, 2020, when around 10.5 inches of rain fell.

Indore normally receives around 10 to 11 inches of rainfall during August, with rain recorded on approximately 12 to 13 days of the month.

Gwalior and Jabalpur Records

Gwalior's highest 24-hour rainfall record for August stands at around 8.5 inches, recorded on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur has an even higher historical record. The city received around 44 inches of rain in August 1923, the highest monthly figure cited in the data. On August 20 that year, around 13 inches of rain fell within 24 hours.

Jabalpur normally receives around 18 inches of rainfall in August, with rain occurring on approximately 16 days of the month.

For now, the IMD's latest alert indicates that heavy rain activity will remain concentrated in parts of eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, while the state continues to monitor areas where rivers, streams and low-lying settlements are vulnerable to waterlogging.