Category: Weather News

Uttar Pradesh Monsoon Deficit Widens Again

Rainfall activity has declined across Uttar Pradesh since Saturday. As a result, the state’s monsoon deficit has started widening once more. For the first time since the monsoon arrived on June 30, the deficit rose by one percentage point to 17% on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Experts expect the monsoon current to weaken further in the coming days. This change may increase the rainfall shortfall and push temperatures higher.

In the 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday morning, 40 out of 75 districts received no rain. The state recorded an average of 7.5 mm of rainfall. East UP received 11.7 mm, while West UP got only 1.4 mm.

Bansgaon in Gorakhpur saw the highest rainfall at 168 mm. Other areas with heavy rain included Mahsi in Bahraich (129 mm), Tanda in Ambedkar Nagar (125 mm), and several districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Since June 1, Uttar Pradesh has received 158.8 mm of rain against a normal of 190.9 mm. West UP enjoys a 16% surplus, but East UP still faces a significant 35% deficit.

Six districts in West UP fall under the ‘large excess’ category. Another eight districts recorded ‘excess’ rainfall. Twenty-three districts received normal rainfall. However, many other districts continue to experience shortages.

Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, explained the situation. A depression over the Bay of Bengal weakened after reaching Uttar Pradesh. Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy spells will likely continue in eastern parts of the state for the next three to four days.

In Lucknow, the maximum temperature reached 35.5°C and the minimum was 27.8°C. The city has recorded a 42% rainfall deficit so far this season. Forecasters predict a partly cloudy sky turning mainly clear, with temperatures around 36°C maximum and 26°C minimum.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts rain or thundershowers at a few places in East UP and isolated places in West UP. Heavy rain is possible in some northeastern areas.

Although rainfall decreased recently, the monsoon brought vigorous activity earlier this week. Widespread showers provided relief and helped narrow the overall deficit. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Himalayas Warm at Alarming Rate, Threatening Water Security

The Himalayas continue to heat up rapidly. Parts of Jammu and Kashmir have warmed by nearly 1°C over just two decades. High-altitude areas show the fastest temperature increases, according to a new study.

Scientists warn that this trend will speed up glacier melting. It could also disrupt river flows and create serious water shortages for millions of people who rely on Himalayan rivers.

Researchers from the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences at IIT Kharagpur published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports. They examined weather station data and atmospheric records from 1980 to 2024.

Higher Elevations Heat Up Faster

Mountain towns such as Bhaderwah, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg warm much faster than lower areas like Jammu. This pattern follows a process called elevation-dependent warming. Higher regions heat up more quickly than the surrounding plains.

At some mid-altitude stations, average temperatures rose by as much as 0.3°C per decade. Nighttime temperatures before the monsoon increased even more sharply, up to 0.6°C per decade.

Warmer nights worry experts because they limit natural cooling. This change makes it harder to preserve snow and ice.

Additionally, shrinking snow cover reduces the reflection of sunlight. As a result, the ground absorbs more heat through a process known as snow-albedo feedback.

Rising atmospheric moisture also traps extra heat near the surface. This effect further accelerates warming in the region.

Serious Risks for Asia’s Water Tower

The Himalayas serve as the “Water Tower of Asia.” They feed major river systems that support hundreds of millions of people across northern India and neighboring countries.

Faster warming will likely hasten glacier retreat. It may reduce seasonal snow storage and change river flow patterns. Moreover, the changes could raise the risk of floods, landslides, and water shortages.

These results match other studies that show the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region warms faster than the global average. This situation puts one of the world’s most sensitive ecosystems under growing pressure.

Scientists now call for stronger climate monitoring and better adaptation strategies. They stress that these steps have become essential. Mountain communities need support to prepare for the changes that have already begun.

The Amarnath Yatra started on July 3 this year. It drew a huge response from devotees, more than a year after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam. However, the pilgrimage now faces a new challenge. News reports show that the sacred ice lingam, known as Baba Barfani, has melted by over 90 percent just days after the Yatra began.

The Amarnath Cave Shrine sits at about 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. It rests beneath the Lidder Valley. Pilgrims can reach the shrine through the traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam route or the shorter but steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route.

Strong Pilgrim Turnout

The Jammu and Kashmir administration celebrated the record number of devotees. Yet many locals expressed worry about the rapid melting of the ice lingam. PDP leader Iltija Mufti voiced strong concern on social media platform X.

Mufti blamed climate change for the early melt. She pointed to factors such as reckless tree cutting, illegal mining, poor waste management, and falling water levels. “Only a week into the Amarnath Yatra, and the naturally formed lingam has already melted,” she wrote. Moreover, she added that the environment has become a victim of Kashmir’s politics and holds no political value.

Mufti called for a long-term sustainable environmental and tourism policy. She suggested learning from Bhutan to protect the mountains, rivers, and glaciers. Otherwise, she warned, Kashmir could lose its essence.

Many early pilgrims confirmed the melting through interviews and social media posts. This situation has revived an ongoing debate. Does climate change cause faster melting each year? Additionally, do rising pilgrim numbers and growing infrastructure harm the fragile Himalayan ecosystem?

Record Footfall Raises Questions

This year’s Yatra began under tight security after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Despite the risks, pilgrim numbers surged sharply. Over 93,000 devotees visited the shrine in the first four days. For instance, more than 32,000 offered prayers by July 5, and over 20,000 arrived on the second day alone. This marked one of the highest second-day attendances in recent years.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who leads the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, called it a massive surge compared to previous years. However, he raised concerns about unregistered pilgrims. Thousands arrived without required health certificates or RFID registration. These arrivals strained security and infrastructure, he noted. The Board limits daily pilgrims to 10,000 on each route.

Official Response

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the melting issue. He reminded people that the Supreme Court already sets a cap on pilgrim numbers. “The ice lingam forms naturally,” he stated. “Neither you nor I can control how long it lasts.”

Climate Change and Environmental Impact

Scientists warn that the Himalayas warm faster than many other mountain ranges. Rising temperatures, shifting snowfall, and retreating glaciers appear clearly in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports highlighted unusually warm conditions near the cave and surrounding glaciers as a key reason for the quick melt. Even small temperature rises, combined with humidity changes inside the cave, affect the ice formation.

Over the past two decades, authorities widened roads, added temporary shelters, moved community kitchens closer, and introduced electricity and solar power. Heavy machinery improved access, and the government recently approved a ropeway project. Talks continue about a tunnel between Sheshnag and Panchtarni. These developments make the journey safer and easier for pilgrims. Yet they may also change the cave’s delicate microclimate.

This early melting is not new. Historical data shows the lingam lasted only 29 days in 2018, 38 days in 2020, 28 days in 2022, and about a week in 2024. This year, it shrank even faster.

The Amarnath Yatra continues to attract thousands of faithful devotees. At the same time, the shrinking ice lingam highlights the urgent need to balance faith, tourism, and environmental protection in this sacred Himalayan region.

Heavy rains triggered severe waterlogging across several cities on Thursday. Surat in Gujarat faced major flooding. At the same time, Delhi and surrounding areas dealt with traffic chaos after trees fell and roads submerged.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized the current government. He said officials focused only on the fixed Minto Bridge underpass while ignoring other flooded parts of the city. The Aam Aadmi Party leader pointed to widespread waterlogging, poor sanitation, and damaged roads in many neighborhoods.

In response, the Delhi government stated that agencies worked hard to manage the situation. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed all departments to stay on high alert. Teams from the Jal Board, PWD, and municipal corporations worked on the ground to clear water.

Rain Causes Widespread Disruptions in Delhi-NCR

Heavy overnight showers uprooted at least five trees in Delhi. These incidents blocked traffic in several areas, including East of Kailash, Kalkaji, and Rohini. One tree fell on a parked car in Ranjeet Nagar, but no one got hurt. Another tree damaged a van in Rohini Sector 15 with no casualties.

Water entered a government school in Badarpur and disrupted classes. In Ghaziabad’s Vasundhara, a road caved in and trapped a car and scooter. Authorities later rescued the vehicles. Additionally, severe waterlogging affected roads in Noida, Gurugram, and parts of Delhi. Commuters faced long traffic jams, especially on NH-24 near Ghazipur and Akshardham.

Meteorologists explained the reason behind the intense rainfall. A strong low-pressure area and active monsoon trough brought heavy showers to the region. Private forecaster Skymet Weather predicted intermittent rain until July 10. Eastern parts of Delhi-NCR received the heaviest downpours, with some areas getting up to 200 mm of rain.

Several schools in Gurugram considered shifting to online classes because of waterlogged roads and stranded buses. In Dehradun, authorities closed all schools as a precaution. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department issued red and orange alerts for Delhi and nearby areas.

The monsoon also caused problems in other states. Landslides occurred in Uttarakhand and Kerala. In Maharashtra, heavy rain led to flash floods and other incidents. Overall, the strong monsoon system disrupted daily life across large parts of northern and western India.

Authorities urged residents to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel during the downpour. Civic teams continued to pump out water and clear roads throughout the day.

Heavy monsoon rains hit Gurgaon hard. Residents suddenly faced waterlogged streets across several parts of the city. Viral videos quickly spread online. They showed vehicles struggling through deep floods. Many locals joked that Gurgaon had turned into “Venice” for a day.

Flooding Disrupts Daily Life

The heavy showers submerged multiple areas within hours. Roads vanished under layers of standing water. Vehicles stood partially underwater. Residents shared visuals from their neighbourhoods to highlight the chaos.

For example, Instagram user Meghana Abhyankar posted a video from outside her house. The entire street lay covered in water. Even her parked scooty disappeared under the flood. She noted, “This is what two hours of rainfall can do in Gurgaon. We cannot even see the road anymore.”

Similarly, Instagram user Aashi Vlogs captured scenes outside Airia Mall. Water filled the area completely. The creator joked that the mall now had its own water body.

Meanwhile, the Gurgaon Meri Jaan Instagram page shared clips from different locations. Cars tried to move through flooded roads. Cyclists and two-wheeler riders faced major difficulties during their commute.

A Recurring Problem

Waterlogging remains a common issue in Gurgaon every monsoon season. Rapid urbanisation and poor drainage systems make the situation worse. Low-lying areas, underpasses, and main roads often become vulnerable. As a result, traffic comes to a standstill and commuters suffer long delays.

Residents have raised these concerns many times. They demand better stormwater management and faster action from civic authorities. However, the problem continues to affect the city despite its modern image.

Humorous Reactions Online

On the brighter side, the flooding sparked plenty of light-hearted memes and jokes online. One user commented, “It is giving peak Venice vibes.” Another wrote, “Typical Gurugram posh area – now you need a boat for monsoons.”

People made fun of the situation creatively. One resident from Sohna joked about living underwater like Patrick Star. Others suggested that navigation apps should update their directions to mention lakes instead of roads.

Nevertheless, behind the humour lies a serious challenge. The recurring floods remind everyone about the urgent need for improved infrastructure in Gurgaon. City authorities must address these issues to make monsoons more manageable for residents in the future.

Heavy rains struck several parts of Gurugram on Sunday. The downpour left many areas badly waterlogged. Old Gurugram suffered the most damage. Once again, the flooding highlighted the city’s ongoing drainage problems.

Water accumulated quickly in multiple locations. Residents reported severe issues in Sectors 3, 7, 9, 10, 10A, 34, and 69. Other affected spots included Ashok Vihar Phase III, the Bus Stand area, Khandsa Road, Rajendra Park, Daulatabad Industrial Area, Basai, Gurugram village, Bajghera, Surat Nagar, Dhanwapur, and Caterpur.

Meanwhile, authorities conducted the Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) on the same day. Examination centres in Sectors 10 and 10A faced major disruptions. Candidates struggled with flooded roads and heavy traffic. “The main road turned into a river,” said candidate Pooja Yadav. “It became extremely difficult to commute, especially for those on two-wheelers.”

Local residents expressed deep frustration. Vikas Hooda, president of Ashok Vihar Phase 3 RWA, noted that officials had promised to solve the waterlogging. However, those assurances did not work. “Pedestrians now wade through dirty water up to two feet deep,” he added.

Additionally, Anuj Mathur from Tulip Purple in Sector 69 described the long-term problem. Residents in Tulip Purple, Tulip White, and nearby shops have dealt with chronic flooding for eight to ten years. “The area gets waterlogged within hours of rain,” he explained.

Gurugram received up to 34.5 mm of rainfall on Sunday. However, the city still remains 42% rain deficient for the season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

In Rajendra Park, residents reported continued flooding despite earlier promises from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. “This situation is dangerous,” said resident Rajesh Gulia. “Pipeline work is underway, and open chambers make it unsafe.”

In Sector 23A, RWA general secretary Vikas Gauba blamed incomplete contractor work for worsening the floods. He urged the corporation to complete the project quickly and blacklist the agency.

Officials responded promptly to the crisis. They deployed teams with pumps, suction tankers, and tractor-mounted pumps. “Some desilting work is in its final stage,” a senior official confirmed. “We will finish it soon.”

The city recorded 34.4 mm of rainfall across three IMD stations until 5:30 pm. The NorthCap University station in Sector 23A measured the highest at 34.5 mm. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds up to 40 km/h until Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected between July 7 and 9.

Temperatures also changed slightly. The maximum rose to 35.6°C, while the minimum increased to 27.8°C.

This monsoon season continues to challenge Gurugram’s infrastructure. Authorities must take stronger steps to prevent future waterlogging. Residents hope for faster and more effective solutions ahead.

Europe Faces Rising Death Toll as Heatwave Continues

Europe shows no immediate signs of relief from the severe heatwave. Temperatures remain dangerously high. Meanwhile, the number of deaths continues to climb with each passing day.

France recorded a sharp increase in fatalities. The country saw 2,025 excess deaths during the last week of June. This figure marks a big jump compared to the previous week.

France’s Health Minister Stephanie Rist shared the update with reporters. She noted that the total would likely rise further.

Public Health France reported a 29.1 percent increase in deaths. Officials warned that the actual numbers might be even higher.

The agency highlighted a clear trend. Deaths among people aged 45 to 64 have risen noticeably. However, individuals aged 65 and above account for the largest share.

Extreme Heat Affects Two-Thirds of Europe

A major part of Europe experienced intense heat. Two-thirds of the continent’s population faced temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius during the second half of June.

Experts based this analysis on data from the European Drought Observatory and population statistics. Such widespread extreme heat has not occurred in over two decades. The last similar event took place in August 2003.

The 2003 heatwave caused around 15,000 deaths in France alone. Authorities say the current situation appears less severe so far. Still, they remain cautious about future developments.

Death Toll Rises Across Multiple Countries

Several European nations report higher mortality rates. Belgium, the Netherlands, and France together recorded about 3,700 excess deaths in June. Officials expect this number to increase.

Belgium faced particularly alarming figures. The country saw 39 percent more deaths between June 18 and 29. This resulted in around 1,222 excess deaths.

Nearly half of these victims were aged 85 or older. Belgium’s health ministry described the situation as unprecedented during a heatwave.

The extreme conditions also strained healthcare systems. They affected power generation and damaged infrastructure.

This ongoing heatwave serves as a serious reminder. European countries must strengthen their preparedness for extreme weather events in the coming years.

Rescuers Save Man Trapped for Eight Days After Venezuela Earthquakes

A 43-year-old security guard survived a remarkable rescue on Thursday. Hernan Gil spent eight days trapped under rubble following twin earthquakes in Venezuela. His survival brought a rare moment of hope amid the country’s devastating disaster.

Rescue teams pulled Gil from the remains of a seven-storey building in Catia La Mar. This coastal area in La Guaira state suffered heavy damage. The complex operation lasted three days. Teams carefully removed debris before they finally reached him.

International Collaboration

Emergency personnel from seven countries joined the effort. Teams from Venezuela, Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico worked together. Their coordination proved essential for success.

In the final stage, two rescuers entered a narrow three-metre tunnel. Meanwhile, around 30 others cleared rubble from the parking area. They also used a rotary hammer to cut through a metal plate. This step became necessary after they assessed risks from a nearby unstable structure.

Sustaining the Survivor

Rescuers supplied Gil with water regularly. They also installed a tube to provide fresh air. These actions helped keep him alive during the long wait.

One rescuer described the operation as extremely challenging. He noted that he had never witnessed such a difficult and prolonged rescue.

乌克兰和摩尔多瓦遭遇大规模停电。技术故障打击了关键跨境输电线路。事件发生在周六。寒潮即将来袭。乌克兰部分地区气温将降至零下20摄氏度。

乌克兰能源部长丹尼斯·什梅加尔在Telegram上宣布。两条高压线路同时故障。一条连接罗马尼亚和摩尔多瓦。另一条连接乌克兰西部与中部。结果导致电网级联中断。基辅、基辅州和其他至少三个地区实施紧急停电。

官员预计几小时内恢复供电。电力公司DTEK也确认了部分地区的紧急断电。基辅地铁因此暂停运行。水供应也暂时中断。居民面临严峻挑战。

此外，摩尔多瓦受到严重影响。能源部表示电压骤降。问题源于乌克兰电网。首都基希讷乌大片区域断电。交通信号灯停止工作。多个区报告停电。市长Ion Ceban确认了情况。

乌克兰电网已饱受压力。过去几个月俄罗斯多次袭击基础设施。设备日益脆弱。工程师日夜抢修。加热系统也承受巨大负担。最近一次大规模袭击发生在1月24日。

此次故障并非袭击引起。官员强调技术问题。然而，寒冬加剧了危机。居民急需电力和取暖。

同时，外交努力正在进行。美国总统特朗普称普京同意暂停对乌克兰主要城市的攻击。克里姆林宫表示暂停将于周日结束。乌克兰承诺相应克制。周日将在阿联酋举行新一轮谈判。不过，突破前景仍不明朗。领土争端持续存在。

电力逐步恢复中。两国官员全力应对。寒潮考验仍在继续。希望供应尽快稳定。

Uttarakhand Issues Orange Alert for Medium-Level Avalanche Risk

Uttarakhand faces fresh danger after heavy rain and snow.

The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) issued an orange alert on Wednesday. It warns of medium-level avalanche risk in high-altitude areas. The alert covers the next 24 hours.

Overnight snowfall blocked key routes. Heavy snow closed the Gangotri Highway in Uttarkashi district. Later, disaster teams and the Border Roads Organisation cleared the path.

Officials reopened the Gangotri Highway up to Sukki Top. Vehicles with snow chains can now proceed toward Gangotri. Similarly, workers cleared snow on the Yamunotri Highway up to Jan Ki Chatti. Both vital routes now carry traffic again.

The orange alert runs from 5:30 pm Wednesday to 5:30 pm Thursday. It applies to areas above 2,800 metres in Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts. Vulnerable spots include Purola, Barkot, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Sonprayag, and nearby areas.

Authorities urge residents and travellers to stay extremely cautious. Snow slides remain a real threat.

Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag districts fall under Category-3 (orange) alert. The Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) reports deep, unstable snow. This accumulation raises the risk of natural avalanches reaching valley floors.

Pithoragarh sits in yellow (Category-2) with unstable slopes and small avalanche chances. Bageshwar remains in green (Category-1) where conditions stay mostly stable.

Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman directed district magistrates to keep close watch. All departments stay vigilant in sensitive zones.

Uttarakhand recorded massive rainfall in the last 24 hours. The state received 20.4 mm—a whopping 1,348% above normal. Bageshwar topped with 36.2 mm, followed by Nainital (32.4 mm) and Udham Singh Nagar (19.1 mm).

Higher areas saw fresh snowfall too. Shama and Munsiyari got 5 cm each. Jan Ki Chatti and Surkanda Ji recorded 3.5 cm.

Temperatures dropped sharply across the state. Isolated thunderstorms and hail hit several places. Fog may appear in valleys this week.

IMD predicts light to moderate rain and snow in hilly districts. Minimum temperatures will fall further by 3–5°C in plains and 1–2°C in hills over the next two days.

No cold wave warning exists yet. However, travellers should avoid high-risk zones right now.

Stay safe. Check updates before heading to the hills.