India Braces for Above Normal September Rainfall

India is set to experience above normal rainfall in September, with significant precipitation expected in northwest India and surrounding areas. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra announced that the country will receive 109% of the long-period average rainfall. Heavy rainfall is expected in several northern and northwestern regions.

India is likely to witness above normal rainfall in September, following a wetter-than-average August, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). This heightened precipitation is expected to significantly affect northwest India and nearby areas.

During a virtual press conference, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra revealed that the country is forecasted to receive 109% of the long-period average rainfall for September, which stands at 167.9 mm.

Specifically, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. On the contrary, areas such as extreme northwest India, the southern peninsula, northern Bihar, northeastern Uttar Pradesh, and most of northeast India are expected to see below normal rainfall during the same period.

The monsoon trough is projected to maintain its normal position, possibly leading to several low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal. These could move west-northwest towards Rajasthan or shift towards the Himalayan foothills. A western disturbance might also impact the region in September, according to Mohapatra.