As several states across India grapple with intense heat, the southwest monsoon has made an early arrival in Kerala, a day ahead of the forecast. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), conditions are favorable for the southwest monsoon to advance in Kerala within the next 24 hours. Initially, the IMD had predicted the monsoon to reach Kerala by May 31.
Meanwhile, Delhi NCR experienced a brief spell of rain yesterday, but the scorching temperatures during the 'Nautapa' period showed little relief. Tragically, a person in Delhi succumbed to heatstroke, marking the first such death in the Union Territory this year. The temperature in Delhi soared between 45.2°C and 49.1°C. Similarly, parts of Uttar Pradesh are also reeling under extreme heat.
The IMD has issued a red alert for heatwaves in several regions, including parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The department noted that Cyclone Mocha, which passed through West Bengal and Bangladesh, has pulled the monsoon towards the Bay of Bengal, contributing to its early arrival in the northeastern states.
In the past few days, Kerala has experienced heavy rainfall, leading to higher-than-normal precipitation for May. According to the IMD, the typical arrival date for the monsoon in northeastern states (Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam) is June 5. During this period, the monsoon is expected to advance over other parts of the Arabian Sea, Comorin, Maldives, the remaining areas of Lakshadweep, the southwest and central Bay of Bengal, the northeastern Bay of Bengal, and parts of the northeastern states. These regions can expect significant rainfall once the monsoon progresses further.
Implications for Agriculture and Daily Life
The early arrival of the monsoon in Kerala is a mixed blessing. For farmers, it marks the beginning of the sowing season for crops like paddy, which are dependent on timely rainfall. However, the ongoing heatwave poses serious challenges to daily life and health, particularly in states under the red alert.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take precautions against heatstroke and stay hydrated. The contrasting weather patterns across the country highlight the diverse climatic challenges India faces, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures in agriculture, urban planning, and public health to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the southwest monsoon progresses, it is expected to bring much-needed relief to the heat-stricken regions. The IMD will continue to monitor and provide updates on the monsoon's advancement and its impact across different states. In the meantime, citizens are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this period of extreme weather variations.
Leave Your Comment