Guwahati | The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a prolonged spell of rainfall across Assam over the next seven days, issuing a Red Alert for July 11 and warning of extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and squally winds in several parts of the state.

According to the weather department, Assam and neighbouring Meghalaya are likely to experience intense rainfall activity on Saturday, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain cautious and avoid travel through vulnerable areas. The Red Alert is expected to be downgraded to an Orange Alert on Sunday, although very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely to continue.

From July 13 to July 17, the IMD has placed the region under a Yellow Alert, forecasting heavy rainfall at isolated places. Thunderstorms, lightning and squally winds are expected to persist until July 15, while heavy rain is likely to continue on July 16 and 17.

Meteorologists attributed the extended wet spell to a combination of active monsoon systems, including the monsoon trough, upper-air cyclonic circulations over Assam and adjoining regions, and a strong influx of moisture from the Bay of Bengal.

“These weather systems are likely to bring light to moderate rainfall over many parts of Assam, with isolated spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall during the coming week,” officials said.

For Saturday, the IMD has specifically warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 20 cm at isolated locations in West Karbi Anglong and Morigaon districts.

The weather office has also issued an impact-based forecast for Guwahati and surrounding areas, warning of thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by multiple spells of moderate rain and isolated heavy rainfall until 8.30 am on July 12.

According to the forecast, isolated locations in and around Guwahati may receive between 7 cm and 12 cm of rainfall within a 24-hour period.

Authorities have cautioned that the persistent rainfall could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, underpasses and urban pockets, particularly in Guwahati and other flood-prone regions. Traffic disruptions, reduced visibility, temporary power outages and interruptions in municipal services are also likely during periods of intense rainfall.

The IMD further warned that ferry and boat services could be affected by adverse weather conditions, while landslides, mudslides and landslips remain a concern in vulnerable hill districts and steep terrain.

Residents have been advised to closely monitor weather bulletins, follow traffic advisories and avoid unnecessary travel through areas prone to flooding, waterlogging and landslides. Daily commuters and long-distance travellers have been urged to plan their journeys carefully and remain prepared for weather-related disruptions.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has also appealed to residents, particularly those living in low-lying and hillside areas, to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions.

“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, people should stay alert and follow official advisories issued by the authorities,” an ASDMA statement said.

The latest forecast comes amid the ongoing monsoon season, during which several districts of Assam have already witnessed flooding, erosion and landslides. Authorities across the state are closely monitoring the situation as heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the coming week.