Monsoon Nears as Temperatures Dip Across India, IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Seasonal Rainfall

The national capital remained under overcast skies throughout the day and registered its lowest maximum temperature in the last 21 days. The weather department has forecast rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, providing relief from prolonged heat conditions.

While many regions experienced a moderation in temperatures, Rajasthan continued to endure severe heatwave conditions. Maximum temperatures in several parts of the state remained in the mid-40 degrees Celsius range. However, the IMD stated that thunderstorm and rainfall activity is expected to increase across Rajasthan from Friday, offering the possibility of relief from the intense heat.

The weather office further indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next seven days, marking the beginning of the crucial rainy season that supports agriculture, water resources and economic activity across the country.

For the June-to-September monsoon season, the IMD has projected rainfall at 90 percent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with a margin of error of four percent. The LPA, calculated using rainfall data from 1971 to 2020, stands at 87 centimetres.

According to the forecast, northeastern India is expected to receive normal rainfall during the season. However, most other regions of the country may experience below-normal precipitation levels, raising concerns over water availability and agricultural planning in several states.

The latest forecast underscores the significance of the upcoming monsoon season, as India prepares for changing weather patterns that will influence farming, water management and daily life across vast parts of the country in the months ahead.