Why is Assam flooding while the rest of India bakes?
This extreme weather shift, ranging from blazing heat in one part and sudden floods in another, underlines yet again the worsening consequences of a warming planet.
While most of India is sweating in extreme heat conditions, Assam is drowning in record rainfall and floods.
As temperatures climbed dangerously high across large parts of the country, the northeastern state faced a dramatic contrast with torrential downpours that turned streets into rivers this week.
Guwahati received a shocking 117.4 mm of rain in just 24 hours on April 20, the highest single-day April total in 75 years, beating the old record from 2004.
Muddy water rose knee-to-waist deep in many areas, submerging cars, homes, and low-lying roads. People waded through the flood carrying belongings, while others watched helplessly from balconies.
The heavy rainfall in Assam was triggered by multiple weather systems typical of the pre-monsoon season.
An upper air cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam and adjoining areas, combined with another cyclonic circulation over northeast Bangladesh, pulled in moist air and sparked intense thunderstorms overnight.
Additionally, an east-west trough extending from Bihar to Manipur further intensified the rain.
MEANWHILE, INDIA FACES EXTREME HEAT
While Assam was submerged, numerous regions across India are battling intense summer heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heatwave conditions in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of West Bengal.
This early heat is typical for April but feels extra harsh this year, reminding everyone that summer has arrived at full force in most places. The heat is especially notable as it follows a series of continuous western disturbances that had hit India at the beginning of the month, bringing rain, hail and winter-like temperatures.
Now, temperatures are expected to rise further by 3–4 degrees Celsius in northwest India over the next few days, with hot and humid weather adding to the discomfort along the coasts. People are advised to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, keep hydrated, and avoid direct sun exposure.
MORE RAIN AHEAD?
In sharp contrast, Assam and other northeast areas are dealing with heavy pre-monsoon showers.
Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds added to the chaos in Guwahati. The IMD forecasts continued inclement weather with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely over Assam for the next 2–3 days. Scattered to widespread rain with thunderstorms is expected across northeast and parts of east India this week.
For Guwahati in the coming days, from April 22-25, generally cloudy skies with intermittent rain or thundershowers are expected.
Furthermore, isolated heavy spells of showers cannot be ruled out, which may cause more waterlogging in low areas.
Residents should stay alert for traffic disruptions and possible localised flooding and keep an eye out for official IMD advisories.
This extreme weather shift, ranging from blazing heat in one part and sudden floods in another, shows how unpredictable India's April climate has become, underlining yet again the worsening consequences of a warming planet.