The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal rainfall for this monsoon season, offering a much-needed reprieve from the scorching heat wave gripping the nation, according to the IMD's Director General of Meteorology, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
He stated that the South West Monsoon rainfall is likely to be 106 per cent of the long-period average, with a model error of 4 per cent, indicating above-normal rainfall across the country.
This prediction aligns with expectations of above-normal rain this monsoon due to favourable La Nina conditions, anticipated to establish between August and September.
The weather office also forecasts a decline in the prevailing heatwave across India from May 30, while issuing warnings of severe heatwave conditions over northwest India for the next three days.
Earlier, alerts were issued for Delhi and Rajasthan as temperatures soared to 50 degrees in certain regions. Rajasthan continues to experience scorching heatwave conditions, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 49 degrees Celsius in most districts.
Amidst the heat, people are minimising outdoor activities, particularly employees engaged in delivery work, who are compelled to navigate the scorching heat.
In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD predicts continued heatwave conditions for the next 48 hours. Shimla recorded its highest temperature in the last ten years at 30.6 degrees Celsius, prompting an orange alert in most districts of the state.
Bilaspur saw temperatures reaching 42.2 degrees, while Hamirpur recorded 41.8 degrees. Kangra registered 39.2 degrees, and Dharamshala witnessed 35.7 degrees Celsius.