States Prepare for Rain as IMD Predicts Below-Normal Monsoon

With the anticipated monsoon soon to arrive, India is gearing up for a potentially underwhelming rainy season. States experienced a drop in maximum temperatures on Friday, falling below 40 degrees Celsius, amidst a forecast of below-normal southwest monsoon rainfall by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Clouds shrouded Delhi as the city recorded its lowest maximum temperature in over three weeks. Northern states including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand awaited rainfall and thunderstorms. Despite the heat persisting in Rajasthan, the weather department predicts an increase in thunderstorms from Friday.

The IMD expects the monsoon to reach Kerala in the next week. The overall monsoon season could see rainfall reaching 90% of the long-term average of 87 cm, with potential variations. Northeast India may experience normal rainfall, but other regions are likely facing reduced precipitation.

Weather disturbances such as a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation are contributing to moisture in parts of India. Northern states have seen a reprieve from heat, with temperatures dropping notably. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are preparing for rain and windy conditions expected over the coming days.

(With inputs from agencies.)