Severe Weather Alerts Issued as Monsoon Approaches India
Changing Weather Patterns Ahead of Monsoon
As the countdown to the monsoon begins in India, the weather has taken a significant turn. Residents of northern and central India, who have been enduring scorching heat and severe heatwaves, can expect some relief. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for hailstorms, dust storms, and heavy rainfall across 19 states until May 31. According to the IMD, conditions are now favorable for the southwest monsoon to advance into the remaining parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal over the next two to three days.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in 19 States
The IMD has forecasted heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms for several states. Alerts have been issued for states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Goa for Saturday and Sunday. Winds could reach speeds of 40-50 kilometers per hour, with gusts in Bihar and Jharkhand potentially hitting 50-60 kilometers per hour, and even up to 70 kilometers per hour in Bihar. Heavy rainfall is anticipated in central Maharashtra on May 30, with further rain expected in Konkan and Goa on May 31, and localized heavy rainfall in Gujarat from May 31 to June 2.
Delhi Experiences Temperature Drop
On Friday, the skies over Delhi were overcast, resulting in a significant drop in temperature, marking the lowest maximum temperature in the past 21 days. The weather forecast indicates the possibility of rain and thunderstorms for several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, Rajasthan continues to experience extreme heat, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, although the weather department predicts an increase in thunderstorm and rainfall activities starting Friday.
Monsoon Expected to Arrive in Kerala Soon
The IMD has also indicated that the monsoon is expected to reach Kerala within the next seven days. It further stated that the seasonal rainfall from the southwest monsoon during June to September is projected to be around 90% of the long-period average (LPA), with a possible model error of 4%. Based on data from 1971 to 2020, the national average seasonal rainfall is 87 centimeters. The IMD noted that while normal rainfall is expected in northeastern India this monsoon season, other regions may experience below-average rainfall.
Ongoing Weather Alerts and Forecasts
The IMD has predicted that the pattern of rainfall and thunderstorms will continue until May 31. For Saturday, the department forecasts a minimum temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius and a maximum of approximately 35 degrees Celsius, issuing a 'yellow alert' for thunderstorms and rainfall. In Uttar Pradesh, the IMD anticipates widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over the next two days, with warnings for strong winds, lightning, hail, and heavy rain in various areas, disrupting daily life. In Saharanpur, heavy rainfall on Friday morning caused swift water flow from hilly regions.
Weather Updates for Himachal and Uttarakhand
The weather department in Himachal Pradesh has predicted ongoing rainfall until June 4, issuing alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 40-50 kilometers per hour. This alert follows heavy hail and rain in the state capital and surrounding areas on Friday evening. In Uttarakhand, the IMD forecasts light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in higher elevations for Saturday, along with a 'watch' warning advising residents to remain vigilant for thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. Outside northern India, Kolkata and several districts in South Bengal experienced intense storms with heavy rain and strong winds, while Jharkhand also saw rainfall, and similar weather is expected in Tamil Nadu on Friday and Saturday.