The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday (May 27) announced that the country is expected to receive normal to above-normal monsoon rains this year, retaining its April forecast. Above-normal rainfall will benefit the country, which relies heavily on summer rains for agricultural output, thereby boosting both agriculture and overall economic growth, the IMD noted.
The weather office indicated that rainfall activity is likely to intensify in Kerala over the next few days. “Conditions favourable for onset of monsoon over Kerala in next 5 days,” said IMD.
Relief from heatwave on the cards
Additionally, IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra also informed that relief from the heatwave in northwest India and central parts of the country is expected after three days due to a fresh western disturbance. “Expect relief from the heat wave in northwest and central parts of the country after three days due to a western disturbance and moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea. There could be some thunderstorm activity in northwest India and rain in the western Himalayan region,” Mohapatra said.
It may be noted that Mohapatra’s statement coincided with the weather department issuing a red alert for heatwave conditions in several northern cities, including those in Rajasthan.
Mohapatra also highlighted that till now Rajasthan and Gujarat saw nine to 12 heat wave days, with temperatures reaching 45-50 degrees Celsius. Delhi, southern Haryana, southwestern UP, and Punjab experienced five to seven days of heatwave conditions, with maximum temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 degrees Celsius, according to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. Assam also faced a heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures on May 25-26.
The IMD attributed the heatwave in northwest India and parts of the central region in the second half of May to a lack of rainfall, stronger dry and warm winds, and an anti-cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat. Mohapatra noted that only two of the five western disturbances affecting north India were active.