What to Expect This Monsoon: India Set for Above-Normal Rainfall

Monsoon Forecast for India

New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Tuesday that the upcoming monsoon season is expected to bring above-average rainfall across the country, dismissing concerns about the emergence of El Nino conditions throughout the season.

According to IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the cumulative rainfall from June to September is projected to reach 105% of the long-term average of 87 cm.

He emphasized that the conditions typically linked to reduced monsoon rainfall in the Indian subcontinent are not anticipated this year.

Currently, several regions are grappling with extreme heat, and a high number of heatwave days are predicted from April to June, which may put pressure on power supplies and lead to water shortages.

The monsoon is vital for India's agricultural sector, which sustains approximately 42.3% of the population and contributes 18.2% to the national GDP.

Over half of the net cultivated land depends on this primary rain-bearing system, which is also essential for replenishing reservoirs that provide drinking water and support power generation nationwide.

Thus, the forecast of normal rainfall during the monsoon season is a significant relief for the country.

However, it is important to note that normal cumulative rainfall does not ensure consistent distribution of rain across different regions, as climate change continues to exacerbate the variability of rainfall patterns.

Climate experts have observed a decline in the number of rainy days, while instances of heavy rainfall over short periods are on the rise, resulting in more frequent droughts and floods.