On June 18, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Northeast India, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, and other regions, with particularly intense falls expected in Meghalaya. The monsoon, advancing rapidly after an early onset on May 25, 2025, is driven by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, causing widespread showers and thunderstorms. Tragically, lightning strikes in Bihar claimed 12 lives, prompting heightened safety measures.

Monsoon’s Robust Advance

The southwest monsoon, which typically arrives in Kerala around June 1, hit Maharashtra 12 days early this year, covering most of Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh by June 18. The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall (110-210 mm) in Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar on June 17-18, with extremely heavy falls (>20 cm) in Meghalaya. Coastal Karnataka, Konkan, Goa, and north Kerala also face intense showers, with Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad under orange alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Tragic Lightning Strikes in Bihar

In Bihar, heavy rainfall brought both relief and tragedy. On June 17-18, lightning strikes in districts like Buxar, West Champaran, and others killed 12 people, including vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. The state government announced ₹4 lakh ex gratia for victims’ families, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar urged residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms. The IMD’s yellow alert for Bihar predicts continued heavy showers, with the monsoon fully active.

Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure

Heavy rains have disrupted normal life across India. In Mumbai, overnight showers caused waterlogging, though the city saw 106 mm of rain in 24 hours, offering respite from heat. Kerala’s Kozhikode-Shoranur rail route was halted for three hours on June 17 due to fallen trees, restored by 11 AM. Schools in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada were closed after red alerts for heavy rain. In Delhi-NCR, pre-monsoon showers cooled temperatures, with a yellow alert for light to moderate rain until June 19.

IMD’s Proactive Measures

The IMD, led by Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra—who received the UN Sasakawa Award-2025 for disaster risk reduction—has intensified forecasting with the Bharat Forecast System, launched on May 26, 2025. The agency predicts above-normal rainfall (106% of the long-period average) for June, aiding agriculture but raising flood concerns in vulnerable areas like Sangli, where rivers are swelling.

The monsoon’s early and intense advance brings hope for farmers but challenges with flooding and lightning risks. The IMD’s alerts urge caution, especially in Northeast India and coastal regions. Stay updated via IMD’s website or local news for safety advisories.

By – Manoj