India faces widespread heavy‑rain alerts as monsoon intensifies across 22 states

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy‑to‑extremely‑heavy rain warnings for more than 20 states, including Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and the Himalayan region. The alerts follow the expected formation of a low‑pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal and an active cyclonic circulation that is set to boost convective activity and torrential downpours over the next 60‑70 hours.

The department warned of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching 60–80 km/h, with localized flooding and water‑logging anticipated in low‑lying areas. Fishermen have been advised to stay away from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal coasts of Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal. Authorities have placed disaster‑management teams on alert and urged residents to avoid open areas, trees and power lines during the storms.

While the eastern and northeastern belt braces for intense monsoon spells, the southeastern coast and parts of South India are expected to endure a hot and humid heat‑wave condition for several days, with temperatures remaining high and humidity oppressive.