IMD predicts above-normal rainfall this monsoon

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicted that India is set to receive higher-than-average monsoon rains, attributing it to the beneficial effects of La Nina.

At a media briefing, M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stated that the expected seasonal rainfall is projected to exceed the ‘above-normal’ category, estimated at 106 per cent of the long-period average, which is 87 centimeters.

Currently, the nation is grappling with severe heat waves, with a substantial increase in such days anticipated from April to June.

This could potentially overburden electrical grids and lead to water scarcity in various regions.

Monsoon rains are vital for India’s farming sector, as 52 per cent of the total arable land depends on this seasonal rainfall. It’s also essential for refilling water reservoirs that are crucial for both drinking water supply and electricity generation nationwide.

Thus, the prediction of an ‘above-normal’ monsoon is a significant boon for the rapidly advancing country in South Asia.

Nonetheless, it’s important to note that average cumulative rainfall does not ensure an even distribution of rain throughout the country, and climate change is increasing the unpredictability of this precipitation system.

The IMD anticipates that the northwest, east, and northeast regions of India might experience less than normal rainfall. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD’s Director General, highlighted this during the press conference.

Additionally, the forecast models have not provided definitive predictions regarding monsoon rains in key agricultural zones of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Mohapatra also mentioned that there’s a 29 per cent probability of normal rainfall, a 31 per cent likelihood of abovenormal rainfall, and a 30 per cent chance of excessive rainfall during the monsoon period.

The IMD defines ‘normal’ rainfall as ranging between 96 per cent and

The IMD anticipates that the northwest, east, and northeast regions of India might experience less than normal rainfall