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India is experiencing an active monsoon phase, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several parts of the country. A recent report published by ABP Gujarati highlighted a four-day weather alert covering Gujarat and several other states.
But how accurate is the report?
We checked the information against the latest IMD forecasts available on 18 August 2026, and the answer is clear: the underlying weather warning is genuine, although some headline-style interpretations make the situation sound broader and more severe than the official forecast actually says.
What is causing the heavy rain?
A significant weather system over eastern India is responsible for much of the current rainfall activity.
According to the latest IMD information, a depression is influencing weather conditions over Jharkhand and adjoining areas of Gangetic West Bengal. The system is producing heavy rainfall across parts of eastern and central India and is expected to continue influencing the region over the coming days.
This is therefore not simply a social-media rumour or an unverified weather claim. There is a genuine meteorological system behind the warnings.
Jharkhand faces the most serious warning
One of the strongest warnings in the latest IMD bulletin concerns Jharkhand.
IMD has forecast isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Jharkhand on 18 August. Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are also possible, with gusts potentially reaching around 60 km/h in some locations.
The seriousness of this warning is also reflected in reports that IMD has issued a red warning for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Jharkhand.
People living in vulnerable areas should therefore take the warning seriously, particularly where there is a history of waterlogging, flash flooding or landslides.
Odisha and West Bengal also remain under watch
Odisha is another important area in the current weather system.
IMD forecasts widespread rainfall activity over Odisha, with heavy to very heavy rainfall possible in isolated locations. Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected in parts of the state.
Gangetic West Bengal is also expected to experience widespread rainfall, while gusty winds are possible in parts of West Bengal and Sikkim.
The latest forecast indicates that rainfall activity in eastern India will continue beyond just one day, although the intensity and location of the heaviest rain will change.
What about Gujarat?
The latest IMD forecast does support rainfall activity over the Gujarat region, although the warning is not equivalent to saying that the entire state will experience extremely heavy rain.
IMD currently expects isolated to scattered rainfall over the Gujarat region, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Saurashtra & Kutch during the coming days.
Thunderstorms and lightning are also possible in several parts of western India.
Therefore, the Gujarat portion of the report is broadly supported by the official forecast, but residents should check their individual district forecast rather than assuming that every district will receive heavy rainfall.
Is the “19 states” claim true?
This is where some caution is necessary.
News reports often use phrases such as “heavy rain alert in 19 states” to summarise a large national weather bulletin. However, IMD does not mean that every part of all those states will receive extremely heavy rainfall.
There are important differences between:
- Widespread rainfall
- Scattered rainfall
- Isolated heavy rainfall
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall
- Extremely heavy rainfall
- Thunderstorms and lightning
- Gusty winds
For example, the latest IMD bulletin specifically identifies isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Jharkhand on 18 August, while other areas are under heavy or very heavy rainfall warnings or broader rainfall forecasts.
So the statement should be understood as weather activity and warnings affecting many states, rather than a prediction that all 19 states will simultaneously receive extremely heavy rainfall.
Rainfall expected over several regions
The latest IMD forecast indicates significant rainfall activity across multiple parts of India.
Eastern India remains particularly active, with rainfall expected over:
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- Gangetic West Bengal
- Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim
- Bihar
Central and northeastern parts of the country are also expected to see rain in several areas.
The west coast is also experiencing monsoon rainfall, while Gujarat and neighbouring regions can expect intermittent rainfall activity.
Thunderstorms and strong winds are another concern
Rain is not the only weather hazard.
IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several regions. In Jharkhand, winds associated with thunderstorms may reach 40–50 km/h, with gusts up to around 60 km/h.
Other areas can also experience lightning and sudden strong winds.
During thunderstorms, people should avoid open fields, isolated trees, rooftops and exposed locations. Drivers should also be particularly careful during periods of poor visibility and waterlogging.
Should people be worried?
There is no reason for panic, but the warnings should not be ignored.
The most important point is that weather warnings are forecasts, not guarantees. Heavy rainfall can be highly localised. One district may receive intense rain while another nearby location receives much less.
People living in areas vulnerable to flooding should monitor official updates, particularly when a red or orange warning is issued.
Travellers should also check road, railway and flight conditions before starting a journey during periods of severe weather.
Fact Check
After comparing the report with the latest IMD information, the assessment is:
The core claim is TRUE.
There really is an active weather system producing significant rainfall across parts of India, and IMD has issued genuine warnings for heavy, very heavy and, in some isolated locations, extremely heavy rainfall.
However, the headline should not be interpreted to mean that every one of the mentioned states will experience extremely heavy rainfall.
The location, intensity and timing of rainfall vary considerably, and the strongest warnings apply only to specific areas and dates.
Final takeaway
The current monsoon situation across India is serious enough to warrant attention, particularly in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and parts of central India.
The latest IMD bulletin confirms the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated parts of Jharkhand on 18 August, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall in other parts of eastern and central India. Gujarat is also expected to experience rainfall activity, although the current forecast does not mean that the entire state is under an extremely heavy rainfall warning.
In short:
The weather warning is real. The sensational interpretation should be treated with caution.
For the most accurate information, residents should follow the latest district-level warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department, because weather conditions can change quickly during the active monsoon season.
Source: India Meteorological Department (IMD), ABP Gujarati, All India Weather Forecast and Warning Bulletin, 18 August 2026.
