Weather Updates: Southwest Monsoon Delayed, Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Multiple Regions The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the Southwest monsoon arrived over Kerala on June 4, three days later than its usual onset date of June 1. This delay, according to IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, falls within the standard deviation of seven days, indicating it is not an unusual occurrence. The monsoon's arrival has triggered forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several regions, including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of northeast India, with the weather pattern expected to persist through June 11. In Kerala, the IMD issued an orange alert for seven districts—Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Kasaragod—due to ongoing heavy rains that caused waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas. Thunderstorms accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall and strong winds reaching 40 kilometers per hour were also predicted in these regions. The situation was further exacerbated by the delayed monsoon, which has led to prolonged rainfall events. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also under threat of significant rainfall, with the IMD forecasting isolated heavy to very heavy downpours (7-20 cm) in these states. The northeast India region is expected to experience similar conditions, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely to continue for the next five days. These weather patterns have raised concerns about potential disruptions to daily life, including transportation and infrastructure challenges. In Delhi, a yellow alert was activated, signaling light rain and thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, occasionally reaching 60 kmph.#karnataka #kerala #india_meteorological_department #tamil_nadu #dr_mrutunjay_mohapatra
El Niño to Impact India's Monsoon Season, IMD Warns of Reduced Rainfall The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that El Niño, a periodic warming phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, is expected to reach India during the monsoon season. This development could lead to significantly lower rainfall compared to average levels, according to Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD's Director General. The warning comes as the IMD has already forecasted a below-average monsoon season for the upcoming months, with rainfall potentially falling short of historical norms. El Niño, which is characterized by the warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific, is predicted to arrive in India by June 2026, though it may initially be weak. Mohapatra noted that the phenomenon could gain strength by late July or August, reaching full intensity by September. At that point, El Niño is expected to trigger cascading weather effects globally, including altered monsoon patterns in South Asia. The IMD's assessment aligns with predictions from international climate agencies. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and China's National Climate Center have also indicated that El Niño conditions are likely to develop in the coming months. NASA satellite data has identified a large warm pool of water in the Pacific, a key indicator of El Niño formation. Scientists highlight that this warming trend is spreading eastward, signaling the potential onset of the phenomenon. Historically, El Niño has been linked to weaker monsoons in India, with reduced rainfall leading to challenges for agriculture and water resources.#el_nino #indian_meteorological_department #dr_mrutunjay_mohapatra #australian_bureau_of_meteorology #china_national_climate_center
