When Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather alertNorthern India on 6 October 2025, officials warned of heavy rain across several states through 11 October.
The alert covers Delhi‑NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, with the most intense downpours expected in eastern districts of Bihar and the hill zones of Uttarakhand.
Regional Outlook
Across the northern belt, the IMD expects rain accumulations ranging from 80 mm to 150 mm in a 24‑hour window, especially between 6 October and 9 October. In the plains, gusty winds of up to 70 km/h could tear loose loose roofing and bring down power lines. Meanwhile, the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand may see brief snow flurries – a rare combination of rain‑on‑snow that can quickly turn muddy roads into slick hazards.
State‑by‑State Breakdown
Bihar: Districts such as Madhubani, Purnia, Saharsa, Araria, Kishanganj, Samastipur, Begusarai, Darbhanga and Supaul have been placed under a yellow‑alert. The IMD predicts thunderstorm activity with lightning strikes every 10‑15 minutes during peak periods. Local farmer groups in Purnia have already voiced concerns about water‑logging in rice paddies, which could delay the transplanting season.
Uttarakhand: The high‑altitude districts of Chamoli, Bageshwar, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Almora and Nainital are likely to see 30‑50 mm of rain plus light snowfall. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a landslide advisory, urging trekkers to avoid the popular Garud Valley trail.
Uttar Pradesh: Heavy showers are expected in Saharanpur, Shamli and Meerut on 6‑7 October, with a 20‑30 mm rain forecast and a 40‑45 km/h wind gust. The state’s flood‑control cell in Lucknow has already pre‑positioned sandbags for vulnerable low‑lying areas.
Delhi‑NCR: The capital region will experience brief but intense showers, lowering daytime temperatures by 4‑5 °C. Traffic authorities have warned of possible gridlock on major arteries like the Delhi‑Gurgaon Expressway, where water‑logged sections could become dangerous.
Rajasthan: Western districts, including Jaipur and Alwar, could see isolated thunderstorms on 8‑9 October, though overall rainfall will remain below 20 mm. Still, the sudden downpours may trigger flash floods in desert washes.
Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure
The timing is critical. The monsoon‑like burst comes just as wheat is nearing its milky‑ripe stage in the Indo‑Gangetic plains. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that up to 12 % of the wheat crop in the affected districts could suffer yield loss if water‑logging persists for more than 48 hours.
Urban centres are not spared. In Delhi, the Central Public Works Department reported that three major drainage culverts failed during the last heavy rain in 2023, causing water to rise up to 0.8 m on arterial roads. Engineers fear a repeat this year unless the municipal bodies clear silted channels promptly.
Expert and Government Responses
"We are monitoring the situation round‑the‑clock and have activated the emergency response teams in all five states," said Dr. Rajesh Kumar during a press briefing at the IMD headquarters in New Delhi. "The public should stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid low‑lying areas and keep emergency kits ready."
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of Bihar, speaking from Patna, urged farmers to secure their fields and said the state would dispatch additional pumps and tractors to flood‑prone villages. "We cannot afford a repeat of the 2020 floods," he added.
In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the state disaster management force to pre‑position relief stores at major hill‑top villages. He also warned trekkers, "If you see any crack in the road or a sudden change in water flow, turn back immediately."
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
According to the IMD’s 10‑day outlook, the western disturbance that fuels this spell should subside by 11 October, giving a brief reprieve before the next system arrives in late October. However, experts caution that the soil in the Indo‑Ganga basin will remain saturated, increasing the risk of secondary flooding when even modest rain returns.
Travelers are advised to check real‑time traffic updates on the Delhi Traffic Police portal and to keep an eye on flight status if heading to regional airports like Patna or Lucknow, where runway drainage issues have caused delays in the past.
Key Takeaways for Residents
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms; avoid standing under trees.
- Secure livestock and move valuables to higher ground.
- Keep a mobile charger, flashlight and basic medicines handy.
- Follow official updates from IMD, state disaster management cells, and local police.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the heavy rain affect wheat crops in Uttar Pradesh?
The rain could cause water‑logging in low‑lying fields, especially in districts like Saharanpur. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates a potential 12 % yield reduction if fields stay flooded for more than two days. Farmers are being advised to use portable pumps and plant‑raising techniques to mitigate loss.
What safety measures should trekkers take in Uttarakhand?
Trekkers should avoid routes flagged by the state disaster management authority, carry waterproof gear, and check weather updates every hour. The risk of landslides spikes when rain exceeds 30 mm in a day, so turning back at the first sign of fresh cracks or rapid water flow is wise.
Will Delhi’s traffic be severely disrupted?
Major thoroughfares like the Delhi‑Gurgaon Expressway and Ring Road are expected to see localized flooding, especially near low‑lying underpasses. The Delhi Traffic Police urges commuters to use alternate routes and to keep an eye on live traffic feeds for real‑time diversion instructions.
What is the expected temperature change during the alert period?
Temperatures across the affected region are projected to dip by 4‑5 °C during the peak rain hours, with nighttime lows hovering around 18 °C in Delhi and 20 °C in the plains. The cooler air is a by‑product of the western disturbance driving the system.
How can residents prepare for potential power outages?
Households should keep flashlights, battery‑operated radios and extra power banks charged. Power utilities in Delhi and Lucknow have pre‑positioned mobile generators near critical infrastructure, but localized outages may still occur if trees fall on lines.