The capital city of Manipur is likely to see persistent rainfall throughout the coming week, as monsoon conditions continue to dominate the region’s weather pattern. According to forecasts, Imphal will receive daily spells of rain from June 15 to 21, with daytime temperatures ranging between 28°C and 32°C, and nighttime lows hovering around 22°C to 23°C. High humidity levels, cloudy skies, and occasional thunderstorms are expected to affect both mobility and outdoor activities.
This week’s forecast follows a turbulent weather pattern over the past month, marked by extreme conditions that have severely impacted the region. Late May and early June saw torrential downpours leading to devastating floods across several districts, including Imphal East and West. The unprecedented rainfall submerged homes, roads, and even hospitals. Over 166,000 people were affected, with at least 10,000 homes damaged and thousands evacuated to relief camps. Notably, floodwaters entered the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), briefly halting healthcare services and exposing vulnerabilities in public infrastructure.
Authorities, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indian Army, were mobilised to carry out rescue and relief operations. Around 50 relief camps were set up to accommodate displaced families, and essential supplies were distributed as part of the state’s emergency response.
As floodwaters receded, the state was hit by a sudden surge in temperature. In mid-June, some parts of the valley recorded a dramatic heatwave. Noney district touched a peak of 39°C, while Imphal East and West districts experienced temperatures between 35°C and 37°C. The oscillation between extreme heat and heavy rainfall has left residents grappling with the challenges of both waterlogging and heat stress.
Experts attribute these weather fluctuations to climate change, pointing to erratic monsoon behaviour and an increase in high-intensity rain events. The combination of saturated soil and continued rainfall has heightened the risk of landslides in hill areas and flash floods in low-lying parts of the valley.
The coming week’s forecast predicts continued rainfall, which may further challenge recovery efforts in flood-affected areas. Residents are advised to take precautions, including avoiding waterlogged zones, securing personal belongings, and monitoring official weather updates.
As Imphal navigates this extended monsoon spell, the weather events of the past month serve as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme climate patterns. The administration is urged to prioritise flood-resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and long-term climate adaptation measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The days ahead may bring more rain, but with preparedness and coordinated response, the impact can be managed. For now, the people of Imphal remain watchful under the shadow of clouds—hoping for calmer skies ahead.