The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday formally announced that the southwest monsoon could set in over Kerala around May 31, and advance up to south Konkan and Goa, along the west coast, as also some parts of the northeast by June 10.
Releasing its first ever fortnightly forecast, the IMD also had some good news for the residents of north India, who have been reeling under severe heat.
The department predicted that the temperatures in the region could come down in the next one week, with the occurrence of thundershowers occasionally.
Preliminary analysis
Noting that the summer this year was severe, with heatwave conditions prevailing over many parts of the northwest and central India, the IMD said preliminary analysis of data indicated that mean monthly temperatures of March and April for the region were the highest in the last 100 years.
May has also been warmer than normal, with severe heatwave conditions prevailing in many parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and in remaining parts of northwest and central India.
“Maximum temperatures of more than 45 degrees Celsius were experienced over many parts of the above regions [during the month].”
Fortnightly forecasts
A few months ago, the IMD announced that it would issue fortnightly forecasts from the beginning of the monsoon this year. The forecasts will be issued on a weekly basis, in addition to the daily bulletin, which gives a three-day forecast and an outlook for the next two days.
After the severe drought last year, the performance of the monsoon this year would be of crucial importance.
