NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday indicated below-normal rainfall in several major regions in many parts of the country. The department has said that heatwave conditions may affect multiple states from June.Director general of meteorology Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that India is likely to receive 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall during the June–September monsoon season, with a model error margin of 4%.Sharing the June forecast, Mohapatra said rainfall across most parts of the country is expected to remain below normal. IMD has predicted rainfall at less than 92% of the LPA. However, some areas of Northwest India, Northeast India and the southern peninsula may experience normal to above-normal rainfall.As per the regional outlook, Northeast India is expected to record normal rainfall, ranging between 94 and 106% of the LPA. However, it has been informed that Central India, South Peninsular India, Northwest India and the Monsoon Core Zone are likely to witness below-normal rainfall during the season.The IMD also forecasted above-normal temperatures in most regions during June. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh may see an above-normal number of heatwave days. Increased heatwave activity is also likely in parts of Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.“Maximum temperatures will be above normal for most of the country, except for parts of Central, Northwest and East India. Minimum temperatures are also expected to remain mostly above normal,” Mohapatra informed.
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The DG added that the southwest monsoon reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 16, four days earlier than its normal onset date. It has since advanced into the South Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep, with conditions remaining favourable for its onset over Kerala and the northeastern states in the coming week.Mohapatra further said neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are shifting towards El Nino, with the probability of El Nino conditions rising to 82% by June and exceeding 90% during July and August. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are expected to continue throughout the monsoon season, he informed further.Meanwhile, the IMD on Thursday predicted relief from intense heat over Northwest India during the next three days due to western disturbances and easterly winds, along with thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorm activity in several regions.(With ANI inputs)
