The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Northeast India over the coming week, with Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura expected to experience widespread monsoon activity.
According to IMD officials, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is likely across the Northeastern states from June 22 to June 28. The weather agency has also forecast isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura between June 22 and June 26.
The department has specifically warned of heavy rainfall in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during the period, while Arunachal Pradesh, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The warning comes as several parts of the region have already experienced intense monsoon showers. Heavy rain lashed Meghalaya and Tripura on Sunday, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging in several areas. In Tripura, the capital city of Agartala recorded 102.5 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, leading to traffic congestion and inundation of low-lying areas.
Meghalaya witnessed some of the heaviest rainfall in the country, with Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district receiving a staggering 530 mm of rain within 24 hours. Meteorologists noted that the amount of rain recorded in a single night at Mawsynram exceeds what some desert cities such as Jodhpur and Bikaner receive over a period of more than six months.
Other parts of Meghalaya also recorded exceptionally high rainfall, including 470 mm at RKM Sohra and 390 mm at Mawkyrwat. Continuous rainfall damaged a section of the national highway connecting Shillong with Dawki near the India-Bangladesh border, affecting vehicular movement and raising concerns over landslides and road safety.
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Additional rainfall data released by the IMD showed significant precipitation at several locations, including Shella (100 mm), Williamnagar (90 mm), Mawryngkneng (90 mm), Jowai (80 mm), Barapani (70 mm) and Ratacherra (70 mm).
Meteorologists said the Southwest Monsoon, which advanced into substantial parts of the Northeastern region on June 7—two days later than its normal onset date—has now covered the entire region, including all eight Northeastern states and Sikkim. The advancement of the monsoon has brought widespread rainfall and strengthened expectations of a normal to above-normal monsoon season.
The IMD noted that the monsoon onset this year was relatively delayed compared to 2025, when it had advanced into most parts of the Northeast by May 26. However, favourable atmospheric and meteorological conditions currently prevailing over the region are expected to support further strengthening of monsoon activity in the days ahead.
Officials stated that rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon season across the Northeastern states is likely to remain normal to above normal, which could benefit agriculture, water resources and hydropower generation.
The weather department also indicated that although strong El Niño conditions have been forecast for certain parts of India this year, the phenomenon is unlikely to significantly affect the Northeastern region. Experts attribute this resilience to the region’s extensive forest cover, mountainous terrain and unique climatic characteristics, which often help moderate the impact of large-scale weather systems.
With heavy rainfall expected to continue over the coming days, authorities have advised residents, particularly those living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas, to remain vigilant and follow weather advisories issued by local administrations and disaster management agencies.
