By Aditi Sharma, Senior Climate Reporter at The Indian Express
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Updated: June 24, 2025, 04:00 IST
Key Takeaways
- Red and Orange Alerts issued for isolated very heavy rainfall (≥ 20 cm/24 hrs) and extremely heavy rainfall (10–20 cm/24 hrs) across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, East Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. internal.imd.gov.in
- Alerts valid from June 25 to June 27, with peak intensity on June 25–26. livemint.com
- Authorities urge residents to “take action”—secure loose objects, avoid flood-prone areas, and monitor local advisories. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
What the Alerts Mean
- Red Alert (Extremely Heavy Rainfall): Forecasted rainfall exceeding 20 cm in a 24-hour period at isolated locations.
- Orange Alert (Very Heavy Rainfall): Forecasted rainfall 10–20 cm in a 24-hour period at isolated locations.
- Validity Window: Alerts in force from 0830 IST on June 25 through 0830 IST on June 27. internal.imd.gov.in
“These color-coded warnings are designed to give communities and administrations time to prepare,” explains Dr. Rajan Dholakia, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), in an interview on June 23, 2025.
Affected Regions & Timing
| State/UT | Alert Type | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh | Orange & Red | June 25–27 |
| Himachal Pradesh | Orange & Red | June 25–26 |
| Uttarakhand | Orange & Red | June 25–27 |
| East Rajasthan | Orange & Red | June 25 (isolated) |
| Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh | Orange | June 25 |
| Delhi | Orange | June 25–26 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Orange & Red | June 25–26 |
| Source: IMD All-India Weather Summary (23 June 2025) internal.imd.gov.in |
Expert Analysis
- Monsoon Dynamics
Recent studies show that climate change is intensifying extreme precipitation events in South Asia. A 2023 peer-reviewed paper in Nature Climate Change found a 7 % increase in very heavy rainfall events per degree Celsius of warming¹. - Crop Impact
With the Kharif sowing season underway, widespread heavy rainfall can both benefit and harm crops. While replenishing soil moisture, sudden deluges risk waterlogging in low-lying fields.
Preparedness Measures
- Local Authorities:
- Pre-position emergency shelters and relief materials.
- Issue localized traffic advisories to prevent road mishaps in waterlogged zones.
- Residents:
- Secure rooftops, loose equipment, and electrical fittings.
- Keep essential supplies—drinking water, medicines, battery-powered lamps—ready.
- Avoid crossing swollen rivers or streams.
“Early action is crucial,” emphasizes Dr. Dholakia. “Flooding can escalate quickly in hilly terrains and urban catchments.”
Daily Digest
| Date | Forecast Summary |
|---|---|
| June 24 | Western disturbances weaken; scattered rainfall. |
| June 25 | Onset of very heavy falls in HP, J&K, Uttarakhand. |
| June 26 | Peak intensity: widespread orange alerts in NW belt. |
| June 27 | Gradual easing; residual showers in hills. |
(Alerts reset daily at 0830 IST. Stay tuned for evening bulletins.)
Fact-Check
- Claim: Red alert means immediate evacuations.
Reality: IMD clarifies that a Red color warning signifies “take action”—prepare and mobilize resources. It does not automatically mandate evacuations. internal.imd.gov.in - Claim: Alerts cover entire states uniformly.
Reality: Warnings apply to isolated places within the specified regions, not every district.
