The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a widespread weather alert for June 29, 2026, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across 18 states and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in 26 states and Union Territories. The latest advisory comes as the southwest monsoon continues to strengthen and advance rapidly across the country, bringing intense rainfall to several regions while providing relief from the ongoing heatwave in parts of northern India.

According to the IMD, weather conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for further monsoon advancement over the next two to three days. Residents in several states have been advised to remain alert for heavy rainfall, waterlogging, localized flooding, strong winds, and lightning.

Southwest Monsoon Continues to Advance

The IMD stated that the northern limit of the southwest monsoon currently passes through Surat in Gujarat, Indore and Mandla in Madhya Pradesh, Daltonganj in Jharkhand, and Motihari in Bihar.

Meteorological conditions remain favorable for the monsoon to advance into the remaining parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, as well as additional areas of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the next few days.

The steady progression of the monsoon is expected to improve rainfall activity across much of central and northern India.

Red Alert for Extremely Heavy Rainfall

The weather department has issued a Red Alert for regions likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall.

The highest rainfall intensity is expected in:

• Sub-Himalayan West Bengal
• Sikkim

These areas may witness isolated spells of extremely heavy rain capable of causing flooding, landslides in hilly terrain, and disruption to transportation.

Very Heavy Rain Expected in These States

Heavy to very heavy rainfall has also been forecast for several northeastern and southern states, including:

• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Meghalaya
• Kerala
• Mahe

Residents in these areas have been advised to monitor local weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.

Heavy Rain Likely Across 14 Other States

Apart from the red alert regions, the IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in isolated places across several other parts of the country.

Central and Eastern India

Heavy rain is likely over:

• Bihar
• Odisha
• Madhya Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Vidarbha

Western India

Rainfall activity is expected in:

• Konkan and Goa
• Madhya Maharashtra

Southern India

Heavy showers are likely across:

• Telangana
• Coastal Karnataka
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu
• Puducherry and Karaikal
• Lakshadweep

Northeast India

Rainfall is also expected in:

• Nagaland
• Manipur
• Mizoram
• Tripura

Thunderstorm and Lightning Alert for 26 States

The IMD has issued a widespread warning for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds affecting large parts of the country.

Winds of 40–60 kmph Expected

Strong winds accompanied by thunderstorms may affect:

• Eastern Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Gangetic West Bengal
• Odisha
• Madhya Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Konkan and Goa
• Eastern Rajasthan
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Ladakh
• Gilgit-Baltistan
• Muzaffarabad
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh
• North Interior Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Puducherry and Karaikal
• Kerala
• Mahe
• Lakshadweep
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Winds of 30–40 kmph Likely

Moderate thunderstorms with gusty winds are forecast over:

• Uttarakhand
• Western Rajasthan
• Telangana
• Rayalaseema
• Coastal Karnataka
• Sub-Himalayan West Bengal
• Sikkim

Lightning Warning

The IMD has also warned of isolated lightning activity over:

• Himachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• South Interior Karnataka
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Assam
• Meghalaya
• Nagaland
• Manipur
• Mizoram
• Tripura

Heatwave Conditions to Ease Soon

Although the monsoon is advancing, isolated heatwave conditions may persist today over parts of:

• Delhi
• Haryana
• Chandigarh
• Eastern and Western Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar

However, the weather department expects maximum temperatures across northwest India to fall by 4°C to 6°C between June 30 and July 2, bringing significant relief from the recent spell of intense heat.

Meanwhile, Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat are expected to continue experiencing hot and humid weather.

Fishermen Advised to Avoid the Sea

The IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions.

In the Arabian Sea, strong winds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are expected along the Somalia coast and adjoining southwest and west-central Arabian Sea. Rough weather is also likely along the Konkan, Karnataka, and Kerala coasts.

In the Bay of Bengal, wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are forecast over the waters near the South Sri Lanka coast, Gulf of Mannar, and Comorin region.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.

Advisory for Residents

People living in areas under heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings should remain updated through official IMD bulletins, avoid waterlogged roads, stay indoors during lightning activity, and follow instructions issued by local authorities. Travelers and commuters are also advised to plan their journeys carefully, as heavy rain may lead to traffic disruptions and localized flooding in several regions.