New western disturbance starting 18 June, says IMD, as 60% of districts see rain deficit

New western disturbance starting 18 June, says IMD, as 60% of districts see rain deficit

Theindiapostdaily.com – India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the arrival of a fresh western disturbance, expected to impact northwestern regions beginning 18 June. This development comes amid reports that 60% of districts across the nation have experienced insufficient rainfall from 1 to 16 June, according to recent data.

Western Disturbance and Rainfall Deficit

A low-pressure storm system originating in the Mediterranean is anticipated to bring abrupt showers, gusty winds, and lower temperatures to northern India. The IMD reported that 245 districts faced deficient rainfall, with 214 classified as having a significant shortfall during the period. In their terminology, a “large deficient” classification indicates a region missed over 60% of its expected rainfall.

“Heatwave conditions very likely in isolated pockets over Bihar and Odisha during 17-18 June; Chhattisgarh on 17 June; East Madhya Pradesh and West Madhya Pradesh during 17-21 June; East Uttar Pradesh during 17th-22nd June; Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana during 17-19 June; Marathawada during 18-19 June; Vidarbha during 17-20 June; West Uttar Pradesh during 19-22 June,” the IMD’s statement read.

Monsoon Advance and Regional Coverage

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has made progress, with favorable conditions for further spread over the next four to five days. This includes additional rain in Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Kerala saw the monsoon arrive on 4 June, three days after its typical onset date of 1 June. The monsoon has now extended to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, most of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, and the entire northeast region.

Rainfall Projections for Northern States

The IMD has predicted widespread rainfall across northern states from 17 to 23 June. Delhi, Chandigarh, and Punjab may experience isolated thunderstorms during this time. Gangetic West Bengal is expected to see consistent rainfall from 20 to 23 June, while Maharashtra and Goa will likely face scattered showers over the same period. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, and other northeastern states could witness “fairly widespread to widespread” rainfall, according to the department.

South India’s Rainfall Outlook

South India is also set for heavy downpours this week. The IMD forecasts isolated intense rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal near Chennai from 17 to 21 June. Similarly, Kerala and Mahe are expected to receive heavy rain between 21 and 23 June.

The weather bureau urged farmers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to prepare for potential crop damage by ensuring effective drainage systems. This includes crops such as rice, millets, sugarcane, groundnuts, and plantation crops like banana, coconut, ginger, and black pepper.

Kharif Season and Agricultural Impact

India’s kharif sowing season commences in June with the monsoon’s arrival. Harvesting typically begins in September to October as rainfall diminishes. The kharif harvest contributes roughly half of the country’s annual agricultural output.

Heatwave conditions are anticipated to persist in several regions, with specific areas highlighted by the IMD. These include isolated pockets in Bihar and Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of central and western India. The department also warned of light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in New Delhi during the latter parts of 18 and 19 June.