The monsoon of 2026 has been one of the most active in recent years, and this week is no exception. With the India Meteorological Department issuing multiple alerts across central and eastern India, and the monsoon trough shifting northward, several states are bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.
If you live in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, or any of the states currently under IMD alert, this is what you need to know this week.
Where is the Monsoon Most Active This Week?
According to the India Meteorological Department’s press release dated August 14, 2026, very heavy rainfall is likely over Odisha and Jharkhand on August 14, and over East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on August 14 and 15.
IMD’s latest press release dated August 15, 2026, warns of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Gangetic West Bengal, North Odisha, and Jharkhand during the next 4 days.
The seasonal monsoon trough is likely to be near normal or north of its normal position this week, bringing active rainfall conditions across Maharashtra and the Karnataka coast as well.
For residents of Bihar and the Gangetic plains, which are particularly vulnerable during this phase of the monsoon, river levels need to be monitored closely. The Ganga and its tributaries receive significant runoff from the hills of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh during heavy rainfall events, which means floods in those states can affect Bihar within 24 to 48 hours.
How Has Monsoon 2026 Been So Far?
Cumulatively from June 1 to August 5, 2026, the country as a whole received rainfall in the normal category at minus 11 percent of the Long Period Average.
This means that while some parts of India have received very heavy rain, particularly the western coast, Odisha, and Jharkhand, other regions have been slightly drier than normal. States like Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, which depend heavily on monsoon rainfall for their kharif crop, will be hoping for continued active rainfall through August and September.
Climate forecasts suggest that positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are likely to develop during September 2026, which could bring above-normal rainfall to parts of India in the second half of the monsoon season.
State by State Situation This Week
Odisha and Jharkhand: Heavy Rain Alert
These two states are currently under the most active alerts from IMD this week. Residents in low-lying areas and near rivers should be cautious. NDRF teams have been deployed in flood-prone districts as a precaution.
If you are in Odisha or Jharkhand, avoid travel near rivers, do not cross flooded roads, and keep emergency contact numbers saved.
Bihar: Watch River Levels Closely
Bihar is downstream from the heavy rainfall zone this week. As rains intensify in Jharkhand and the hills of Nepal, rivers including the Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati can rise rapidly.
Districts like Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Gopalganj, and Saran are historically the most flood-vulnerable in Bihar during this phase of the monsoon. Residents in these areas should stay updated on their district administration’s alerts and be ready to move to higher ground if advised.
West Bengal: Heavy Rainfall Expected
Gangetic West Bengal is also in the IMD alert zone this week. Kolkata and surrounding districts may experience heavy rain and waterlogging. The city’s drainage system tends to get overwhelmed during intense rainfall; avoid going out unnecessarily during heavy downpours.
Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh: Very Heavy Rain
East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are expected to receive very heavy rainfall on August 14 and 15. River levels in these states should be monitored as the week progresses.
Maharashtra and Karnataka Coast: Active Monsoon
The western coast continues to receive active monsoon rainfall. Landslide-prone areas in the Konkan region and the Western Ghats should be approached with caution this week.
Monsoon Safety Tips: What to Do This Week
Whether you are in a heavily affected state or one receiving normal rainfall, these safety habits are important during active monsoon weeks:
Do not cross flooded roads or bridges: Moving water that looks shallow can be extremely dangerous. Just 30 centimetres of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet. Never attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle.
Stay away from rivers and streams: River levels can rise within hours during heavy upstream rainfall. Keep children away from riverbanks during the monsoon season.
Boil your drinking water: Flooding contaminates groundwater and tap water supplies. During and after heavy rain, always boil water before drinking or use a reliable filter. Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis spike during flood season.
Watch for dengue and malaria: Stagnant water after rain creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Use mosquito repellent, eliminate standing water around your home, and sleep under a mosquito net if needed.
Keep emergency numbers saved: NDRF Helpline: 011-24363260. State disaster management helplines are also active; check your state government’s official website for the current number.
Charge your phone and power bank: Power cuts are common during heavy monsoon periods. Keep your phone charged and have a power bank ready.
For a complete guide to staying healthy during the monsoon season, including what to eat and drink, read our Best Foods to Eat in Summer to Stay Cool and Hydrated. Many of the same hydration principles apply during monsoon season when waterborne illness risk is high.
Also remember that staying hydrated with clean water is especially important during monsoon season. Read our guide, “10 Signs You Are Not Drinking Enough Water Daily,” to make sure you are drinking enough safe water throughout the season.
What to Expect for the Rest of August 2026
Weather forecasts indicate that the Madden-Julian Oscillation index is currently in Phase 6 with an amplitude greater than 1, which typically supports active monsoon conditions over India.
This suggests that monsoon activity is likely to remain significant through the rest of August. For farmers in Bihar, eastern UP, and West Bengal, this is welcome news as these rice-growing states need consistent rainfall through August for a good kharif harvest.
For city residents, be prepared for waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and power cuts through the rest of the month. Keep your emergency supplies stocked and stay updated through your local weather app or IMD’s official website at mausam.imd.gov.in.
How to Stay Updated on Monsoon News
The most reliable sources for monsoon updates in India:
IMD Official Website: mausam.imd.gov.in. The India Meteorological Department publishes daily press releases and district-level rainfall data.
IMD on Twitter/X: @India_IMD. Real-time alerts and weather warnings.
Your State Disaster Management Authority: Every state has an official website and social media presence that publishes flood alerts and evacuation advisories.
Doordarshan and All India Radio: During severe weather events, these government channels broadcast continuous updates, especially important in areas where internet connectivity is limited.
Final Thoughts
Monsoon 2026 is following an active pattern this week, with heavy rainfall alerts across central and eastern India. If you are in an affected state, stay informed, stay safe, and do not take unnecessary risks near water.
We will continue to publish weekly monsoon and news updates every Sunday. If you want to be notified when new posts go live, bookmark persiflagelol.com and check back regularly.
Stay safe this monsoon season. 🙏
Sources: India Meteorological Department (imd.gov.in)