The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather bulletin for the next 24 to 48 hours for large parts of the country. Due to active monsoon trough and low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, there is a strong possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in 18 states of the country. In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts in many states and directed the local administration and disaster management teams to remain on high alert. According to meteorologists, the most widespread impact of this weather system will be seen in the hilly areas of North India, the Ganga plains, Central India and the western coastal areas. The 18 major states where heavy rain alert has been implemented include Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra (Konkan region), Gujarat and Coastal Karnataka. There has also been a warning of strong winds blowing at a speed of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour and lightning along with thunder in these areas. Due to heavy rains in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the situation remains extremely sensitive due to the double crisis of landslides in the mountains and waterlogging in the plains. The Meteorological Department has warned that due to continuous heavy rains, incidents of landslides and rockslides on sensitive mountain roads may increase. Due to sudden rise in the water level of rivers and streams, the risk of seasonal disasters like flash floods and cloud bursts has increased. The local administration has issued strict instructions to travelers visiting the Chardham Yatra route and major tourist destinations to avoid unnecessary travel and only follow official weather advisories. On the other hand, due to torrential rains in the plains and metropolitan areas like Delhi, Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Patna, Bhopal and Mumbai, there is every possibility of heavy urban flooding and traffic disruption in low-lying areas. Due to increased pressure on the sewerage system and reduced visibility, road and rail traffic can be directly affected. The Meteorological Department has advised urban citizens to stay away from waterlogged roads, open drains and old dilapidated structures. Scientific analysis: Why did the monsoon system suddenly become active? The reason behind this aggressive weather pattern at the national level is the simultaneous activation of many powerful weather systems. According to meteorologists, at present the monsoon trough line is actively passing towards the south from its normal position. Along with this, a strong cyclonic circulation has developed over the North Bay of Bengal and adjacent coastal areas, which has attracted heavy moisture in the lower atmosphere. Additionally, there is intense confluence between the active Western Disturbance and moist monsoon winds coming from the east in the north-western Himalayan region. Due to this collision, atmospheric instability has reached its peak, causing dense formation of heavy cumulonimbus clouds. This is why very heavy and torrential rainfall is being recorded within a limited period of time. Regional weather conditions: Accurate forecast for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi-NCR Monsoon is fully active in both eastern and western divisions of Uttar Pradesh. Intermittent heavy rains with heavy thunder are expected to continue in many districts including Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Bareilly and Meerut. The drop in temperature by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius will provide relief from the humid heat, but in view of the possibility of lightning in rural and urban areas, farmers have been advised to avoid going to open fields. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast in northern and central districts of Bihar like Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnia during the next 24 hours. Due to rainfall in the Terai areas of Nepal, an increase in the water level of rivers like Gandak, Kosi and Bagmati may be recorded. There will be dense dark clouds in the sky in Delhi-NCR and there are full chances of heavy rains with strong winds at different times of the day. The maximum temperature may hover around 30 to 32 degrees Celsius, making the weather pleasant, although waterlogging may occur during peak traffic hours. Special advisory from the Meteorological Department for farmers and common citizens: This heavy rain is going to have a direct impact on agricultural activities as well. This rain is proving to be a boon in many areas for the planting and growth of Kharif crops, especially paddy, but in fields where there is no proper drainage system, pulses, oilseeds and vegetable crops may get damaged. Agricultural experts have advised farmers not to allow excess water to accumulate in the fields and to postpone spraying pesticides or chemical fertilizers until the weather clears. The Meteorological Department and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued the following safety measures for the general public: Never take shelter under tall trees, electric poles, tin sheds or metal structures during thunderstorm or lightning. Unplug electronic devices while indoors and avoid direct contact with landline phones and water taps. If you are driving, stop the vehicle at a safe and open place during heavy rain; Never take the risk of driving through a submerged underpass. Keep cattle in permanent and safe shelters instead of tying them in open fields or under trees. The Meteorological Department is continuously monitoring this weather system moment by moment through satellite and radar imagery and Nowcast alerts are being issued at the district level. Citizens are requested to rely only on official weather bulletins to avoid any emergency.