Thunderstorms, Rain Lash Delhi-NCR, Bring Relief From Soaring Temperature

Heavy rain and thunderstorm lash parts of Delhi NCR bringing relief from the scorching heat. 

The rain was accompanied with gusty winds.

Residents of the national capital region finally got some respite from the summer heat wave.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted light rainfall for Delhi today. The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for the national capital for today.

Regarding weather forecast in the northern parts of the country, IMD Scientist Dr Naresh Kumar told ANI, " In Northwest India, at some of the places, the temperature has risen to 45°C, in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. We assume that for the next 4-5 days, some areas of Rajasthan will see heatwave, Uttar Pradesh will also see heatwave for the next 3-4 days...in Delhi, we have issued yellow alert today...after 20th May, by 21st or 22nd May, Delhi may witness light rainfall..."

Delhi has been reeling under heat wave condition since the last few days. 

Meanwhile, the IMD, in a press release, said that the southwest monsoon has advanced into some parts of south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands and some parts of the north Andaman Sea.

The primary rain-bearing system might reach Kerala on May 27, ahead of the usual June 1 date, as per the weather department.

IMD Prediction For Rainfall This Year

Earlier, the weather department had predicted that India may receive above-average monsoon rains this year at 105 per cent. IMD has said that the El Nino conditions, associated with below-normal monsoon rain in Indian subcontinent, are unlikely to develop this monsoon, therefore, the weather will be favourable for above average rainfall this season.

In a statement, India Meteorological Department (IMD) chief Mrityunjay Mohapatra had said that India is likely to see above-normal rainfall in the four-month monsoon season (June to September) with cumulative rainfall estimated at 105 per cent of the long-period average of 87 cm.

According to Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System, El Nino impact is going to be neutral this year which will create favourable  conditions for monsoon rains this season.

In a press statement, IMD had said that there is a strong probability, estimated at 59 percent, that the southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall will fall into the "above normal" or higher category, defined as more than 104 per cent of LPA.

Mohapatra explained that the country's Long-Period Average (LPA), based on data from 1971 to 2020, is 87 centimeters.

The monsoon in India is very crucial for India’s agriculture sector as it supports livelihood of more than 42 per cent people and also contributes for 18 per cent of the country’s GDP.

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