Red Warning in Odisha and Chhattisgarh as Heavy Rains Hit 20 States; Dry Spell in Delhi-NCR
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, issued weather alerts across 20 states and union territories, tracking an active low-pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal that is unleashing vigorous downpours across eastern and central India. While the southwest monsoon has initiated its seasonal withdrawal from parts of northwest India, atmospheric instability in the tropical seas continues to channel heavy moisture inland, placing Odisha and Chhattisgarh under the highest tier of administrative alert. Concurrently, regional meteorological centers report distinct weather dynamics across the northern plains, where dry continental air has taken hold over the National Capital Region (NCR) and western belts, contrasting sharply with intense precipitation forecasts across the eastern hinterlands.
Red Alert in Odisha and Chhattisgarh: District Administrations Issue School Closures
Odisha has been placed on high alert as the meteorological office issued a critical 'red warning' for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several coastal, southern, and tribal districts. Key regions including Koraput, Gajapati, and Ganjam are bracing for intense downpours through September 23 and 24, with the severe weather system subsequently shifting toward Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri between September 24 and 25, prompting local district administrations to issue precautionary advisories regarding school closures and emergency flood monitoring. In neighboring Chhattisgarh, widespread cloud clusters accompanied by frequent lightning and severe thunderstorms have triggered very heavy rainfall warnings through September 24, prompting disaster management agencies to stay prepared for potential inundation across low-lying catchments.
Regional Forecast: Clear Skies Over Delhi-NCR, Bihar Prepares for Heavy Spells, Rajasthan Dries Out
In sharp contrast to the torrential activity in central and eastern belts, Delhi-NCR will experience mostly clear, sunny skies today with daytime temperatures hovering between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius and night minimums settling around 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, prolonging warm and humid conditions with zero probability of precipitation. Across Uttar Pradesh, dry conditions will prevail in both eastern and western zones today, though convective thunder and localized showers are anticipated to return between September 25 and 27. Bihar remains on vigilance mode with isolated heavy showers expected today, escalating to very heavy rainfall alerts on September 24 and 25. Meanwhile, southwest monsoon withdrawal has commenced over Rajasthan, keeping most divisions completely dry except for scattered drizzle in Kota and Udaipur, as heavy precipitation remains concentrated across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Arunachal Pradesh, alongside moderate showers in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and the southern peninsula.
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