New Delhi, June 13: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday projected that the country is likely to receive below-normal rainfall during the ongoing southwest monsoon season, while indicating that the monsoon’s advancement across several parts of the country may remain sluggish in the coming days.
Speaking at a press briefing, an IMD scientist said that the El Niño phenomenon has become active and is expected to influence weather conditions throughout the monsoon season.
“Based on our long-range forecast, India is likely to receive around 98 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, which falls under the below-normal category,” an official said.
Providing an update on current weather conditions, an IMD scientist noted that a western disturbance has triggered widespread rainfall and thunderstorm activity across northwestern India over the past two days.
“We had earlier issued an orange alert for the region. At present, the western disturbance is centred over north Haryana and adjoining areas. Its impact is expected to continue, bringing rainfall and thunderstorms to Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and the Himalayan belt. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 50 kmph,” an official said.
He added that while the earlier orange alert for some areas has been downgraded to a yellow alert, orange alerts remain in force for parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
For Delhi-NCR, the IMD has forecast light rain accompanied by gusty winds. “A yellow alert has been issued for the national capital region. Due to the recent weather activity, temperatures across north India have dropped by six to eight degrees Celsius,” he said.
However, Kumar cautioned that temperatures are likely to rise by four to six degrees in the coming days, though they are expected to stay within or below the normal range.
On the monsoon’s progress, the IMD stated that it has already covered most parts of southern Peninsular India, extending up to Maharashtra, though its advance has slowed recently.
“The monsoon has also reached the northeastern states and parts of eastern India. Over the next two to three days, it is expected to advance further into Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and parts of Chhattisgarh before slowing down again,” Kumar said.
The IMD continues to monitor weather developments closely and will issue regular updates on monsoon progress and regional weather conditions.
