The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted below normal rainfall for the country this year. While the monsoon has covered most of the Southern Peninsula, north-east, and parts of east India, its advancement in other regions will be gradual. IMD scientist Pradeep Sharma highlighted the activation of the El Nino phenomenon, expecting it to persist throughout the monsoon season.
According to the IMD’s long-range forecast, the country is likely to receive about 98% of normal rainfall. Naresh Kumar, another IMD scientist, reported recent rainfall and thunderstorm activity in north-west India due to a western disturbance. Alerts have been issued for regions like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Naresh Kumar also mentioned the expectation of rising temperatures in the coming days, albeit remaining normal or slightly below normal. While the monsoon has made progress in South Peninsular India up to Maharashtra, its pace has slowed. The north-east and parts of eastern India have also witnessed monsoon coverage, with further progress anticipated in Bihar, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand in the next few days.
