monsoon-to-pause-dry-spell-likely-across-many-states

After bringing widespread rainfall across the country over the past several days, the southwest monsoon is expected to enter a brief pause, with dry weather likely to prevail over large parts of north, west and central India during the next five to seven days.

 

According to weather experts, the monsoon axis has started shifting towards the Himalayan foothills, allowing dry westerly winds to advance across much of the country. The shift is expected to weaken rainfall activity in several regions while increasing heat and humidity.

 

The change follows a strong revival of the monsoon, which recorded nine consecutive days of above-normal rainfall, helping improve the seasonal rainfall deficit after India experienced its fifth-driest June in 126 years.

 

States likely to witness little or no rainfall over the coming days include Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. Residents in these areas are expected to experience hot and humid conditions, with the "feels-like" temperature likely to range between 45°C and 50°C because of high moisture levels.

Also read: Delhi paralysed; 3 dead due to heavy rainfall

 

In contrast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over states located close to the shifted monsoon axis, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and the northeastern states.

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier projected below-normal rainfall for July, estimating precipitation at 94 per cent of the long-period average. The anticipated lull is broadly in line with that forecast and may temporarily slow the monsoon's overall progress.

 

Meteorologists said short breaks are a normal feature of the southwest monsoon. However, an early lull in mid-July could affect newly sown kharif crops, particularly in rain-fed agricultural regions where paddy cultivation depends on consistent rainfall. Farmers without irrigation facilities may face difficulties if the dry spell persists beyond the expected period.

 

Weather experts, however, expect another active spell of monsoon rainfall later this month. Until then, much of north, west and central India is likely to experience a temporary break from widespread rain, while the Northeast and eastern Himalayan region continue to receive heavy showers.