Buoyed by the recent bout of pre-monsoon showers, denizens anticipating an early end to this summer may soon be disappointed as weatherman predicts the worst of it is not over yet.
Unexpected rainfall across the State since the beginning of May significantly lowered the day temperature, which remained well over 42 degree Celsius across Telangana until April-end. Hyderabad recorded 43 degree Celsius on at least two occasions, a decadal high for the city.
Historically, the State records seasonal highs in the third week of May; Hyderabad recorded 44 degree Celsius in 2015. This year, maximum temperature in the city was expected to breach 45 degree Celsius mark and break records elsewhere in the State. Cut to present, frequent clouding and significant pre-monsoon rain seen early in May seem to indicate the end of summer. Meteorologists are however cautious.
Temperatures to soar
“We think the existing conditions will not last beyond May 18, when the temperature will begin to soar. The maximum heating days of May, which fall in the last two weeks, are likely to remain hot,” said Mahesh Palawat, Chief Meteorologist with Skymet weather services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted thunderstorms over the next few days.
The summer heat in April has been linked to deaths of over 268 people in Telangana alone, with most number of deaths recorded in Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar districts.
Skymet’s modelling predicts the existing trough over central India, responsible for the ongoing spell of rains fuelled by influx of moisture from the Arabian and Bay of Bengal, is strong. It is expected to remain over the State for another four days before it oscillates over Vidarbha in neighbouring Maharashtra. Eventually, when it will begin to dissipate, it will cause intermittent rainfall before giving way to hot weather.
While current weather predictions may dash hopes for an early end to summer, they also show strong likelihood of an early monsoon.
“There are indications of cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea, which can hasten arrival of southwest monsoon in Kerala. Instead of the conventional June 1, rains may arrive by May last week in Kerala, raising possibility of early monsoon in Telangana if the monsoon clouds do not stagnate,” Mr. Palawat added.
