Guwahati: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rain and thunderstorms across much of Assam over the next five days, warning that isolated heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds could lead to localised flooding, power disruptions and travel delays.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre Guwahati (RMC), rainfall activity is expected to increase across the state between March 12 and 17 under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over central Assam and associated trough systems.
Weather observations over the past 24 hours indicated largely dry conditions across the state, though light rainfall was recorded at a few stations. Silchar received 4.3 mm of rain, followed by 3.0 mm in Rangia, 2.4 mm in Jorhat and 1.8 mm each in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur.
Day temperatures across Assam ranged between 31°C and 33.4°C, slightly above normal, while night temperatures hovered between 18°C and 22°C, also above the seasonal average.
The IMD said moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places across the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph. At isolated locations, heavy rainfall is also expected.
Rainfall activity is expected to intensify over the following days, with precipitation likely at most places in the state. During this period, gusty winds could reach speeds of 40–50 kmph and heavy rain may occur at isolated locations.
Similar weather conditions are likely to persist through the middle of next week, with moderate rain and thunderstorms continuing across many parts of Assam. Winds of 30–40 kmph may accompany these storms, and isolated heavy rainfall is expected in some areas.
Toward the latter part of the forecast period, rainfall activity is expected to ease slightly, though thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may still occur at isolated locations.
District-level analysis indicates stronger rainfall activity across western and central parts of the state, including Kamrup Metropolitan district, Kamrup district, Nagaon, Barpeta and Goalpara, where fairly widespread rain is expected initially before gradually tapering to isolated showers by around March 18.
In contrast, northeastern and southern districts such as Dibrugarh, Cachar and Jorhat are likely to witness scattered to isolated rainfall events.
The IMD has also forecast a fall in maximum temperatures by about 3–4°C in the coming days before stabilising later in the week.
Meteorologists have advised farmers, commuters and outdoor workers to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning events and to stay updated with weather bulletins issued by the RMC.