IMD Issues Lightning Alert for Barak Valley, Rain to Continue This Week

Residents across Barak Valley should prepare for a wet start to the week as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy skies with spells of rain and thundershowers across the region. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely on Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21, prompting people to remain cautious during outdoor activities.

According to the latest IMD forecast, Cachar is expected to experience a generally cloudy sky with a few spells of rain or thundershowers on Monday, July 20. Similar weather conditions are likely in Hailakandi, where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning have also been forecast. While the district-wise forecast for Sribhumi is yet to be released, weather conditions are expected to remain broadly similar to the rest of Barak Valley, with cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall.

The IMD has forecast maximum temperatures of around 29°C on Monday, July 20, gradually rising to 32°C to 33°C between Tuesday, July 21, and Sunday, July 26, across the valley. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 24°C and 26°C during the week. Humidity levels will stay high, mostly between 80 and 95 per cent, making conditions feel warm and humid despite the rainfall.

A thunderstorm accompanied by lightning warning has been issued for Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21, in Cachar and Hailakandi. Although no major weather warnings have been issued from Wednesday, July 22, onwards, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected to continue on most days until Sunday, July 26, under generally cloudy skies. By Sunday, July 26, skies are likely to become partly cloudy with isolated spells of rain or thundershowers.

In the past 24 hours, Silchar recorded 33 mm of rainfall, with a minimum temperature of 22°C, which was 3.4°C below normal. Relative humidity stood at 96 per cent on Monday morning, indicating abundant moisture in the atmosphere.

The IMD has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under isolated trees, and stay away from open fields and water bodies when lightning occurs. Travellers and commuters are also advised to keep track of the latest weather updates as brief but intense showers may affect visibility and road conditions during the week.