IMD predicts 90 percent monsoon rainfall; Delhi gets relief from heatwave
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said India is likely to receive 90 per cent of the long period average rainfall during the southwest monsoon season this year. While Northeast India is expected to witness normal rainfall, most other parts of the country may receive below-normal rainfall.
Delhi and parts of the NCR received relief from the intense heatwave after overnight rain and strong winds swept across the city. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds brought temperatures down by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius across major weather stations in the national capital.
The IMD issued an orange alert for Delhi, forecasting more thunderstorms, rain, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of up to 50 kmph over the next two days. The weather office said the current spell of pre-monsoon rain activity is likely to continue till May 31.
Meanwhile, several states continued to witness extreme weather conditions. Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recorded a season-high temperature of 47.5 degrees Celsius, while Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan touched 47.1 degrees Celsius amid severe heatwave conditions.
Heavy rain and strong winds also caused damage in Andhra Pradesh, where four people died in separate rain-related incidents. In Tamil Nadu, the IMD predicted rainfall and a gradual dip in temperatures following the end of the peak summer phase known as Agni Natchathiram.
The weather department also warned that weak El Nino conditions may develop in June and intensify by September, potentially affecting rainfall patterns later in the season.
