Monsoon's last hurrah: Heavy rain in UP, Uttarakhand as system intensifies

The southwest monsoon is preparing for one last burst of intense rainfall across northern India, with Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand bracing for a fresh spell of heavy showers over the next 72 hours.

A powerful weather system moving inland from the Bay of Bengal, combined with a Western Disturbance, is expected to trigger widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and potentially hazardous conditions across the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Uttarakhand from September 26 to 28, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in parts of the state. East Uttar Pradesh is also expected to receive heavy rainfall during this period.

The latest spell comes as a deep depression over southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions continues to influence weather across central and eastern India.

The system is moving north-northwestwards, bringing moisture-laden winds and triggering widespread rainfall across its path.UTTARAKHAND FACES INTENSE RAINFALL THREAT

Uttarakhand is likely to bear the brunt of the approaching weather system, with both Kumaon and Garhwal expected to experience intense rainfall on September 26 and 27.

According to Skymet Weather, the depression and a Western Disturbance moving across the mountains of northern India are expected to bring heavy rain to Uttarakhand and the foothills of western Uttar Pradesh.

The combination of heavy rainfall and mountainous terrain raises concerns over landslides, flash floods, lightning and road blockages, particularly in vulnerable hill districts.

Residents and tourists have been advised to exercise caution, with unnecessary travel to mountainous areas best avoided during the intense rainfall spell. Uttarakhand is likely to bear the brunt of the approaching weather system. (Photo: Windy) MONSOON WITHDRAWAL TAKES A PAUSE

The fresh spell of rainfall comes even as the southwest monsoon has begun withdrawing from parts of northwestern India.

The withdrawal line has advanced through parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. However, the approaching weather systems are expected to temporarily stall further withdrawal.

Skymet Weather has indicated that the withdrawal process could resume around October 2, with the monsoon expected to retreat from central and eastern India by around October 10.

The upcoming rainfall spell could therefore mark one of the final major bursts of monsoon activity over northern India before the seasonal transition towards drier weather gathers pace.

For now, the immediate concern remains the risk of intense rainfall and associated disruptions across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand through the weekend.- Ends