India’s southwest monsoon has opened September with a sharp burst over eastern India. Satellite imagery on September 1 showed deep thunderstorm clusters across West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand, while the India Meteorological Department said a well-marked low-pressure area was positioned over Gangetic West Bengal, north coastal Odisha, Jharkhand and the northwest Bay of Bengal.
The system is expected to move west-northwest across north Odisha and Jharkhand during the next 48 hours. That puts Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh in the immediate rain corridor, with Delhi-NCR likely to turn wetter later.
What The September 1 Satellite Images Are Showing
The satellite picture is dramatic because the brightest, thickest cloud tops point to vigorous convection, where moisture-rich air rises quickly and builds tall thunderstorm clouds. India Today’s September 1 satellite report described dense cloud clusters across eastern and central India, matching the active low-pressure circulation seen in IMD observations.
The IMD’s September 1 press release adds the ground picture. During the 24 hours ending 8:30 am, extremely heavy rain above 20 cm was recorded at isolated places in Odisha. Bangiriposhi reported 31 cm, while Dumri in Jharkhand received 16 cm and Balrampur in Chhattisgarh recorded 15 cm.
Key signals from the opening day of September include:
- Jharkhand faces the sharpest immediate risk, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall forecast on September 1
- Odisha, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal and East Uttar Pradesh could receive isolated heavy to very heavy rain
- Chhattisgarh remains in a heavy to very heavy rain zone on September 1 and 2
- East Madhya Pradesh could see very heavy falls through September 4 before the focus shifts farther west
- Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds may accompany several of these rain bands
Which Regions Could Get Heavy Rain Next?
IMD expects widespread rain over Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha through September 2, while Gangetic West Bengal stays active through September 3. Parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim also remain vulnerable, with very heavy rain possible on September 3.
Central India is next. Chhattisgarh could receive very heavy rain on September 1 and 2, while East Madhya Pradesh has a longer window from September 1 to 4. West Madhya Pradesh is forecast to turn wetter from September 3 to 5. Vidarbha may also receive a stronger spell around September 3.
North India is not outside the system. East Uttar Pradesh has a very heavy rain risk on September 1, while West Uttar Pradesh could receive heavy rain through September 5. Uttarakhand remains under a prolonged heavy-rain signal. IMD has also flagged flash-flood risk in districts across eastern Madhya Pradesh, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha and Jharkhand.
Why Is The Rain Belt Moving West?
The low-pressure area is doing the heavy lifting. It formed around the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining eastern states, then began moving inland. A trough also extends from the circulation towards northwest Uttar Pradesh, helping funnel Bay moisture deeper into the country.
That is why the satellite cloud mass over the east may not stay fixed there. As the circulation travels west-northwest, organised rain bands can redevelop over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi-NCR may feel the effect slightly later. IMD expects fairly widespread to widespread rain over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on September 3 and 4, with heavy rain possible at isolated places from September 2 to 5. The capital’s September 2 forecast includes cloudy skies, light rain at many places and isolated moderate rain with thunderstorms.
What Does This Mean For September’s Monsoon Finish?
The east India cloud burst does not mean September will be wet everywhere. IMD’s September monthly rainfall outlook says rainfall activity over peninsular India is likely to stay subdued during the coming week. Reuters also reported that India is expected to receive below-normal rainfall for September after a weak August, showing how sharp regional downpours can coexist with a softer all-India monthly total.
That contrast has consequences for farms and reservoirs. Some states may deal with flooding, waterlogging and crop drainage problems while others receive limited rain. IMD has advised farmers in Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh to keep drainage channels open and avoid field operations in waterlogged plots.
For residents, the immediate watch areas are Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and the Himalayan foothills. Forecasts can shift as the low-pressure area moves, so district-level IMD warnings remain the best check before travel.
FAQs
Which State Faces The Highest Rain Risk On September 1?
Jharkhand faces isolated extremely heavy rainfall, while nearby eastern states may receive very heavy showers.
Will Delhi-NCR Get Heavy Rain From This System?
Yes, rain should increase from September 2, with heavier isolated spells possible through September 5.
Why Are The Satellite Clouds Concentrated Over Eastern India?
A Bay low-pressure area is pulling moisture inland and triggering deep, organised thunderstorm convection there.
Could Madhya Pradesh Receive Heavy Rain Later This Week?
Yes, East Madhya Pradesh stays active first, before heavier rain shifts toward western districts gradually.
Is September Expected To Be Wetter Than Normal Nationwide?
No, IMD expects below-normal September rainfall nationally overall despite intense regional spells over eastern India.
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