IMD Flags Heavy Rain Across East, Central India as Bay Depression Intensifies

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to trigger a fresh spell of heavy rain across large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings for several states on Friday.

Jharkhand is on orange alert for the next 24 hours, with Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum expected to receive heavy to very heavy showers. A yellow alert covers 11 other districts of the state.

In West Bengal, the system is likely to bring very heavy rain to Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar until Saturday morning.

Odisha is also bracing for widespread rain, with very heavy showers possible in some pockets. Bihar, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to see widespread rain, and extremely heavy showers may occur in isolated areas. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely alongside the rain.

In the north, Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh may witness scattered showers from Friday, continuing until September 29. No heavy rain warning is in force for Delhi-NCR on Friday, though Uttar Pradesh could see more intense activity. East Uttar Pradesh may receive very heavy rain on Friday and Saturday, while the western parts of the state may also get heavy showers.

East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh are likely to receive heavy rain, with some areas facing very heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. East Rajasthan may remain wet through September 27.

In the northeast, Assam and Meghalaya are expected to get widespread rain, while other states in the region may see scattered showers.

Kerala is likely to receive widespread rain, while Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may get scattered showers. Rayalaseema could also see rain with thunderstorms.

The IMD expects the active rain spell to persist across parts of central, eastern and southern India over the next few days.