More rain predicted over Assam and Northeast in next few days

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: In the past 24 hours, Assam and Meghalaya received copious amounts of rainfall, and the IMD’s weather forecast says that heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely over Northeast India in the next few days.

Guwahati also received heavy rains in the past 24 hours, and the Assam government has advised the people to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant. As a result of heavy overnight rainfall, waterlogging occurred in many places in the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather prediction today for Northeast India: Fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms, lightning & gusty wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph likely over Northeast India during the next 7 days, with isolated heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh on May 20 & during May 22-26; Assam & Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during May 20-26; and isolated very heavy rainfall is also very likely over Assam & Meghalaya on May 20 & 21.

As for the IMD’s weather forecast for May 21: Moderate rain is very likely to occur at most places over Assam & Meghalaya and at many places over Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram & Tripura, and Light to Moderate rain is very likely to occur at a few places over Nagaland & Manipur.

The IMD also issued a warning for May 21: i) Thunderstorm & Lightning accompanied with gusty winds reaching up to 40-50 kmph very likely to occur at isolated places over Tripura; ii) Thunderstorm & Lightning accompanied with gusty winds reaching up to 30-40 kmph very likely to occur at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur & Mizoram; iii) Thunderstorm & Lightning very likely to occur at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland; iv) Heavy to Very Heavy rain very likely to occur at isolated places over Meghalaya; and v) Heavy rain very likely to occur at isolated places over Assam & Tripura.

A separate notice today by Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) referred to the IMD’s weather forecast. It said the IMD has predicted continued inclement weather over Assam for the next 2–3 days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across various parts of the state.

As per rainfall data recorded today by IMD, several locations in and around Guwahati have already received substantial precipitation — including 112.5 mm at the Guwahati AWS station, 115 mm at AAU-HRS, 110 mm at Mirza Circle Office, and 100 mm at IASST-Kamrup. These figures indicate widespread and intense rainfall activity that is likely to persist.

The weather pattern suggests that both Western and Southern parts of Assam are likely to witness more intense rainfall episodes over the coming days, potentially reaching up to 200 mm in isolated locations. In Guwahati city, continued downpours could aggravate waterlogging, slow vehicular movement, and increase the risk of tree falls and localised landslides in vulnerable pockets. The city authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and emergency response systems are being kept on alert.

In view of the situation, ASDMA requested the people to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant. Daily commuters and long-distance travellers have been requested to plan their routines accordingly, avoiding unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall. Residents in low-lying and hillside areas have been advised to stay alert for any signs of flooding or soil erosion. The public are also urged to stay tuned to official weather updates and follow advisories issued by local authorities to ensure safety during this prolonged spell of rain.

The IMD report also mentioned that, during the past 24 hours and till 8.30 am on Tuesday, the highest rainfall in Meghalaya was recorded at Williamnagar AWS of East Garo Hills district with 28 cm of rainfall, followed by Williamnagar with 23 cm and Mawsynram of East Khasi Hills district with 19 cm of rainfall.

In Assam, the highest rainfall during the past 24 hours was recorded at Hatsingimari ARG in the South Salmara-Mankachar district with 14 cm of rainfall, followed by Guwahati AWS with 11 cm. The rainfall in Guwahati is the highest in the pre-monsoon season this year.

 Also Read: Guwahati: Torrential rains and high-speed winds lash city

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