New Delhi: India is set to witness above-normal rainfall in June, according to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The department has projected rainfall at 108 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA) for the month.
At a press conference on Tuesday, M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said that the core monsoon zone—which includes parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and neighbouring areas—is expected to receive above-normal rainfall (more than 106 per cent of the LPA). This region, heavily dependent on monsoon showers for agriculture, is likely to benefit from a strong start to the season.
Central and South Peninsular India to record above-normal rainfall
For the entire monsoon period (June to September), the IMD forecasts a seasonal rainfall of 106 per cent of the LPA (average of 87 cm), with a model error margin of ±4 per cent. According to the IMD, rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of the LPA is considered normal.
While Central and South Peninsular India are likely to record above-normal rainfall, Northwest India is expected to see normal precipitation. However, Northeast India and parts of East India could experience below-normal rainfall during the season.
Heatwave and temperature outlook
Meanwhile, the IMD has also projected below-normal heatwave days in Central, East, and Northwest India for June. Normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are expected across most regions, except for parts of Northwest and Northeast India, where temperatures may rise above normal. Meanwhile, above-normal minimum temperatures are likely in many areas, particularly in Central and Southern India.
Early onset of Monsoon
The IMD declared the onset of the monsoon over Kerala on May 24—eight days earlier than the usual date of June 1. Such early arrivals are rare, with the last instance recorded in 2009. The monsoon has also advanced over Lakshadweep, Mahe (Puducherry), and parts of southern Karnataka and Mizoram.
