September is expected to be one of the most rain-intense months in recent memory, with persistent heavy downpours and troubling forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As monsoon rainfall intensifies, flash floods, landslides, and urban deluge loom as serious threats across several regions.
IMD Forecast: Above-Normal Rainfall to Continue
- The IMD has projected that September’s rainfall will exceed 109% of the long-period average (LPA of 167.9 mm), signaling above-normal precipitation nationwide.
- This follows an exceptionally wet August, which recorded about 5% more rain than normal, cumulatively exceeding the monsoon average by 6%
Spotting the Hotspots: Flash Flood & Landslide Warnings
- Warnings are in place for Uttarakhand, south Haryana, Delhi, and north Rajasthan, where heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and urban flooding
- Regions including the upper catchment of the Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh may also face flood impacts from intensified rainfall
August’s Record-Breaking Rains: What Happene
- Northwest India—notably Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh—saw 265 mm of rainfall in August, the highest since 2001
- This deluge led to severe flooding in Punjab, with rivers like the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej bursting their banks; and landslides and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh
Case Study: The Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy
- On 14 August 2025, a cloudburst in Chositi village, Kishtwar (J&K) triggered deadly flash floods along the Machail Mata pilgrimage route. At least 23 people lost their lives, and hundreds were affected
- The incident underscores the sudden and catastrophic nature of cloudbursts in fragile terrains.
What’s Driving the Weather Extremes
- September is a transitional monsoon month, often marked by an overlap of monsoon systems with western disturbances, which can drive intense, intermittent rainfall.
- A gradual upward trend in September rainfall since 1980 has been noted, despite occasional low-rain years such as 2001, 2010, and 2015.
Why Flash Floods Are Rising: Context Matters
- AP coverage highlights how climate change is intensifying monsoon extremes—bringing erratic, heavy rainfall that overwhelms infrastructure and triggers devastating flooding
- Events like the Kishtwar cloudburst show how localized, high-intensity rain events can cause disproportionate damage.
Implications & What Lies Ahead
- Communities in vulnerable regions—especially Uttarakhand, northern plains, and urban pockets—must stay alert.
- Urban infrastructure in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan should brace for potential flooding.
- Agricultural concerns: Excessive rains could damage standing kharif crops and delay harvests.
- Authorities at all levels should ensure early warning systems, NDRF preparedness, and landslide mitigation measures are active and responsive.
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Last Updated on: Monday, September 1, 2025 3:41 pm by The Weekly News Team | Published by: The Weekly News Team on Monday, September 1, 2025 3:40 pm | News Categories: News
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