IMD Predicts Below-Normal Monsoon, Warns of Nationwide Heatwaves

The India Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal monsoon rainfall and alerts for heatwave conditions across various states starting June. While Northeast India may receive normal rains, Central and Southern regions face drier conditions. Rising temperatures and possible El Nino effects signal challenging months ahead for most regions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its revised long-range forecast for the upcoming southwest monsoon season, predicting below-normal rainfall across crucial farming and urban regions. The warning comes accompanied by alerts for widespread heatwave conditions expected to begin in June.

IMD's Director General of Meteorology, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, addressed a press conference, indicating that India is slated to receive only 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall during the critical June-to-September monsoon period. With a model error margin of 4%, the projections signal a potentially dry season ahead for large swathes of the country.

In its detailed forecast, the IMD revealed that Northeast India could see normal rainfall ranging between 94% and 106% of the LPA. However, areas like Central India, the South Peninsula, Northwest India, and the Monsoon Core Zone are likely to experience a significant rainfall deficit. The IMD also anticipates above-normal temperatures for most regions, alongside an increase in heatwave days, notably in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and several other states.