Monsoon clouds have retreated from around 70% of India, bringing a sharp drop in rainfall across Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, western Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka over the next five days. The dry spell has pushed up temperatures across northern India, with Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan recording a high of 42°C.
Despite the broader lull, heavy rain battered parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, where landslides forced the closure of 440 roads. Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Meghalaya also received intense rainfall, while runoff from the hills caused the Ganga’s water level to rise in Prayagraj and Rishikesh.
Late on Saturday, a cloudburst struck Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering flash flooding in the Awoora and Dehwathu areas. Six hotels were inundated, although no casualties were reported.
For Sunday, rain is unlikely in nine states. A heatwave alert has been issued for Andhra Pradesh, while continued rainfall in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir may trigger further landslides.
Pictures from across the country……..
Dense fog blankets Shimla, Rishikesh and Jashpur after heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall brought a sharp drop in temperatures across parts of northern India, with dense fog engulfing Shimla and Rishikesh on Saturday morning and evening. Visibility fell to below 50 metres, disrupting normal conditions.
In Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district, intermittent rain continued throughout Saturday, triggering thick fog in the hilly Sanna valley. Visibility dropped to less than seven metres, making travel difficult in the area.
