Heavy Monsoon Rains Forecasted Across North India, Relief for Himachal Pradesh
Monsoon Arrives with Heavy Rain Predictions
As the monsoon progresses towards Northern India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts for significant rainfall in various regions. Uttar Pradesh, which has been enduring high temperatures, is now experiencing a welcome change in weather.
The IMD anticipates heavy to very heavy rainfall in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. A warning has been issued for districts in Maharashtra such as Pune, Raigad, Satara, Nashik, Mumbai, Thane, and Ratnagiri, where strong winds, dust storms, lightning, and thunder are expected alongside the rain.
The southwest monsoon made its official entry into Himachal Pradesh on Friday, arriving five days earlier than the usual onset date of June 25. The weather department expects the monsoon to cover the entire state by this date, which is considered 'normal.'
Due to the early onset, various regions in Himachal Pradesh have already seen rainfall, and the Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rains for the next five to seven days.
Regarding rainfall expectations this season, Katiyar stated, 'We anticipate above-normal rainfall in Himachal Pradesh this year. The average monsoon rainfall is approximately 734 mm, but this year it could reach 800 mm or more, which is about 109% of the normal amount.' He also cautioned about poor visibility and the risk of flash floods or landslides, noting, 'For the next five to seven days, particularly in the mid-hills and lower areas, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected. Low visibility conditions are likely on June 26 and 27, although some relief may occur on June 23 and 24.'
The IMD has indicated that 'isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, West Uttar Pradesh, and East Rajasthan from June 20 to 26; with very heavy rainfall expected in East Uttar Pradesh from June 20 to 22 and in East Rajasthan on June 20 and 23.'
Additionally, the IMD predicts 'light to moderate rainfall at many locations, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h over Northwest India during June 20 to 26.'