The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intense rainfall for parts of eastern, southern, and western India, including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. This comes amidst a broader picture of a weak monsoon across vast stretches of central and northwestern India, which continue to experience a lack of cloud cover typical for late June.
Uneven Monsoon Across India
While specific urban centers brace for heavy downpours, the southwest monsoon's advance across the country has been highly uneven. India recorded a significant 45% rainfall deficit between June 4 and June 26, highlighting the disparity in weather patterns.
Delhi Prepares for Thunderstorms
Delhi is expected to experience isolated rain on Friday, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph. These showers are anticipated to offer temporary relief from the heat, though a widespread monsoon establishment over the capital is yet to occur. Cloudy conditions and intermittent rain are forecast to persist through the weekend.
Mumbai Wakes to Heavy Showers
Mumbai received heavy rain on Friday morning, with cloudy weather and further showers predicted for the next two days. Maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius. The city had already reported waterlogging in several areas on June 24 and 25, raising concerns about further disruptions to low-lying areas and traffic if heavy rain continues.
Kolkata Roads Waterlogged
Kolkata and its neighboring districts experienced heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on Thursday. This led to significant water accumulation on roads, disrupting traffic flow and causing waterlogging even within the SSKM Hospital complex. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are expected to affect parts of south Bengal until June 30, covering regions like North and South 24 Parganas, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and Jhargram.
North Bengal Under Red Alert
North Bengal is projected to receive the most intense rainfall in the coming days. Jalpaiguri is under an orange alert for June 26-27, with forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and winds. The alert escalates to red from June 28-30, with isolated areas potentially receiving over 20 cm of rain. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar are also under red alert during this period. The IMD has warned of potential flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides, particularly in low-lying and Himalayan districts.
Regional Disparities and Monsoon Weakness
Kerala has recorded a 33% rainfall shortfall during the current southwest monsoon season, with Wayanad experiencing a 64% deficit. Conversely, the monsoon is anticipated to advance into additional parts of Uttarakhand over the next three to four days, entering through the Kumaon region after covering the remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Meteorologists attribute the overall subdued monsoon rainfall to the absence of strong weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The lack of robust low-pressure areas, which typically transport moisture inland, has limited widespread rain, confining it to isolated pockets and creating a striking contrast between heavy downpours in some cities and prolonged dry spells in neighboring regions.