IMD issues red alert of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Assam on May 29 and 30

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) today issued a Red Alert for several districts of Assam for May 29 and 30, with a prediction of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the Northeastern states and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim until May 30. In IMD’s terminology, a Red Alert means ‘Warning: Take action’.

The IMD’s forecast for the Northeast reads, “Fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms and lightning over Northeast India during the next 7 days. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during May 29-June 1, Assam & Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during the next 7 days, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall also likely over Assam & Meghalaya on May 29 & 30, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura on May 29 and Arunachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on May 30.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) at Guwahati issued a special weather bulletin on Wednesday afternoon. Regarding the current meteorological conditions, the bulletin says, “A well-marked low-pressure area lies over Northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast at 8.30 am today, May 28, 2025. Associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, tilting southwards with height. It is likely to move slowly northwards and concentrate into a Depression over the north Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours.”

Under the influence of the synoptic condition mentioned above, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is forecast on May 29 & 30, 2025, for Assam, as detailed below.

According to RMC’s bulletin, the forecast for May 29 says, “Heavy (7-11 cm in 24 hrs) to Very Heavy (12-20 cm in 24 hrs) rain is very likely to occur at a few places with isolated Extremely Heavy Rainfall (21 cm & more in 24 hrs) over the districts of Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, West Karbi Anglong, and Sribhumi districts, accompanied with Squally wind at speeds of 40-50 kmph, Gusting up to 60 kmph.” The Red Alert has been issued for the 8 districts as named. An Orange Alert has also been issued for 16 districts, including Kamrup (Metro) district, for May 29.

For May 30, the RMC’s bulletin says, “Heavy (7-11 cm in 24 hrs) to Very Heavy (12-20 cm in 24 hrs) rain is very likely to occur at a few places with isolated Extremely Heavy Rainfall (21 cm & more in 24 hrs) over the districts of Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Baksa, Bajali, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi districts, accompanied with Squally wind at speed 40-50 kmph, Gusting to 60 kmph.” A Red Alert has been issued for the 11 districts named. An Orange Alert is also in place for 10 districts on May 30.

In view of the situation likely to emerge from the IMD’s forecast, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has requested all the people of the state and especially Guwahati city dwellers to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant. Daily commuters and long-distance travellers are requested to plan their routines accordingly, avoiding unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall. Residents in low-lying and hillside areas should stay alert for any signs of flooding or landslides. The public has also been urged to stay tuned to official weather updates and follow advisories issued by local authorities to ensure safety during this prolonged spell of rain.

 Also Read: IMD: Low rainfall, high temperature likely in Northeast

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