India’s Monsoon Progresses, Offering Respite from Scorching Heatwave
Published on: June 21, 2024.
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India’s Monsoon Advances, Bringing Relief from Heatwave
The monsoon season in India is finally advancing after a delay of over a week, according to senior weather officials. Rains are expected to cover central parts of the country in the coming days, providing relief from the scorching heatwave in the northern plains, which is crucial for economic growth in the country. Typically, monsoon rains start in the south around June 1 and gradually spread across the nation by July 8, enabling farmers to plant essential crops like rice, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane.
An official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated, “Monsoon is reviving. It was stuck after covering most of Maharashtra, but by the weekend, it will enter Madhya Pradesh.” The official, who spoke anonymously, added that the western and southern regions can expect heavy rains in the following week, with central parts of the country also receiving rainfall.
The monsoon arrived earlier than expected in the western state of Maharashtra, which is home to the commercial capital of Mumbai. However, its progress in central and eastern states faced a nearly week-long delay. The monsoon is crucial for India’s economy, as it provides around 70% of the necessary rainfall for agricultural activities and water resources.
Approximately half of the farmland in India, the world’s second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar, relies on monsoon rains due to limited irrigation facilities. The monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, plays a significant role in ensuring a successful harvest.
Weather experts anticipate that the monsoon will progress rapidly from next week, leading to a decrease in temperatures in northern India. The ongoing heatwave in northern states is expected to subside by the weekend. Currently, the maximum temperatures in these regions range between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius (108-115 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above the normal range, as per IMD data.
Since the monsoon season began on June 1, India has experienced rainfall that is 18% less than the average, according to the IMD. However, the upcoming monsoon progress is expected to compensate for the rainfall deficit and provide much-needed relief to farmers and the agricultural sector.
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