GUWAHATI | Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland face heavier rain, while Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh are also likely to see showers and thunderstorms

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to influence weather conditions across Northeast India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting rain, thunderstorms and lightning across several states over the next few days.

The system was located about 60 km southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh at 8.30 am on Wednesday and was moving west-northwestwards towards the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast. It was expected to cross the coast near Kalingapatnam by Wednesday night.

Although the system is making landfall along the eastern coast, its associated weather conditions are expected to bring increased moisture and rainfall over parts of the Northeast.

Rain across the Northeast

On Thursday, moderate rainfall is likely at many places over Assam and Nagaland, while Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram may receive light to moderate rain at a few places.

The weather is expected to become more active in parts of the region on Friday. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya, along with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations across several Northeastern states.

Nagaland is also likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall on Friday.

The continuing wet spell could bring localised waterlogging and flooding in vulnerable areas. In the hill states, including Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, intense rainfall may increase the risk of landslides and mudslides.

Poor visibility, slippery roads and temporary disruption to transport and power supply are also possible during periods of heavy rain.

Assam records heavy rainfall

Assam has already recorded significant rainfall in several locations. Samaguri received the highest rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Wednesday, recording 14 cm. Shillongani and ZRS Shillongani recorded 11 cm each, while Dharamtul and Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali received 8 cm.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in East Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.

Northeast remains under wet-weather watch

The IMD expects rainfall activity to continue across parts of Northeast India during the subsequent forecast period, with Assam and Meghalaya likely to remain among the wetter areas. The regional weather pattern is also being closely watched in the hill states, where heavy rain can quickly affect roads and settlements because of the terrain.

The IMD has advised people in vulnerable and hilly areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall and stay away from unstable slopes and riverbanks. Residents have also been urged to follow lightning safety precautions and monitor official weather warnings as conditions evolve.