NEW DELHI: In what could bring massive relief amid the searing heat and water crisis in a few big cities, the India Meteorological Department, or IMD has predicted very heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka and Goa during the next four days.
The weather forecast body has also predicted chances of similar rain with thunderstorms and lightning in parts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
In north-eastern India and sub-Himalayan West Bengal, heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to prevail for the next five days, said the IMD.
Meanwhile, the sweltering heat continues to grapple the nation after little respite that followed on-and-off rains.
Here are the top developments:
The weather forecast body has also predicted chances of similar rain with thunderstorms and lightning in parts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
In north-eastern India and sub-Himalayan West Bengal, heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to prevail for the next five days, said the IMD.
Meanwhile, the sweltering heat continues to grapple the nation after little respite that followed on-and-off rains.
Here are the top developments:
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for June 23.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall and extremely heavy rainfall with strong surface winds are very likely at isolated places in Goa on that day.
- The IMD said the red alert (the advisory to take action) is issued when extremely bad weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and power and pose a significant risk to life.
- In addition, the IMD has also issued an orange alert for June 22, 24, and 25 warning of heavy rainfall in isolated places.
- There is also the possibility of squally weather with wind speeds ranging from 35kmph to 55kmph along and off the South Maharashtra-Goa coast.
- Fisherfolk are strongly advised against venturing into the sea in these conditions.
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has issued a high-wave watch for some coastal areas of Goa.
- North Goa from Chapora to Panaji and South Goa from Santerem Point to Colomb are expected to experience high waves ranging from 2.6m to 2.8m until June 22.
- Authorities and residents have been urged to stay updated with weather forecasts and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of heightened weather activity.
‘Southwest monsoon to be ample’
An official from the IMD said the southwest monsoon will be ample this year, with a high probability of La Niña conditions replacing El Niño by July.
“La Niña is associated with strong monsoons, above-average rains, and cooler temperatures, promising much-needed rainfall across the country. About 80 per cent of the state’s annual rainfall, amounting to 738.6 mm, comes from the southwest monsoon,” added a senior official.
Weather in metro cities
- Delhi’s maximum temperature on Saturday was recorded a notch above normal at 39.4 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department said.
- The weather body has predicted generally cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle on Sunday in the national capital.
- Parts of Kolkata received intermittent spells of drizzle on Saturday morning even as a cloud cover persisted for most of the day.
- The rain, however, ceased in the afternoon and the maximum temperature jumped two degrees from Friday to touch 33.1°C. Temperatures are not likely to change in Kolkata on Sunday.
- In Chennai, the IMD has forecast more rainfall of light to moderate intensity for the next two days, even as intense evening rain spells have left the city and the neighbouring districts the wettest since 1996.
- Among metros, Mumbai saw the maximum changes in nighttime temperatures between 2018 and 2023.
- The pace of
rain in Mumbai has reduced a bit in the last couple of days. However, the monsoon current is becoming moderately strong in the city. The IMD has issued yellow alerts in Mumbai for the next couple of days.