Assam Braces for Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms, Red Alert Issued for Kokrajhar and Chirang

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati have issued urgent warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across multiple districts of Assam, including the state capital, Guwahati, and western regions.

According to the IMD, districts such as Dhubri, Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and Tamulpur are expected to experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, with 7 to 20 cm of rain forecast within a 24-hour period. Kokrajhar and Chirang are under a critical red alert, with rainfall predicted to exceed 21 cm.

The forecast also includes thunderstorms and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph, raising concerns about significant disruptions to daily activities. Authorities have warned of potential waterlogging, localized flooding, and landslides in susceptible areas. Additional risks include temporary power outages, disruptions to ferry and communication services, reduced visibility impacting road traffic, and possible damage to standing crops nearing maturity.

Residents are urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid flood- and landslide-prone zones, and stay updated with alerts from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

In Guwahati, the RMC has issued an impact-based forecast, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning on October 5 and 6. The city may face waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion, and interruptions to power and municipal services.

The seven-day weather outlook for Guwahati indicates mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies, with light to moderate rain expected on several days. Daytime temperatures will range from 31°C to 33°C, while nighttime temperatures will remain between 24°C and 25°C.