In Pics | Beijing experiences high temperatures amid heatwave

Hungary has fired its weather services chief over a faulty weather warning. The meteorological department had warned of a rain storm in Budapest on August 20, 'Europe's biggest firework display' had to be cancelled as a result of the warning, but the rain storm changed its course. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Hungary fires its weather service chief

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued an alert over the possibility of a cyclone on the coast of the Eastern state of Odisha. The IMD said that the low-pressure area over the South Andaman Sea is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Sunday evening.

India: Eastern state Odisha braces for cyclone, met department issues alert

India received 41 per cent more rainfall than normal from October 1-21 with the Himalayan state Uttarakhand alone recording more than five times its normal precipitation, data by India's weather department showed on Thursday.

Providing a numerical perspective to the unusually heavy rains ravaging several parts of the country, particularly the hill state of Uttarakhand in the north and coastal Kerala in the south, the India Meteorological Department said the country received 84.8 mm against the normal 60.2 mm this month.

Of the 694 districts in the country, 45 per cent (311 districts in 16 states and union territories) recorded rainfall in large excess&nbsp;and 14 per cent (96 districts in six states and UTs).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-150-as-rains-lash-india-nepal-trigger-floods-and-landslides-422600">Death toll reaches 150 as rains lash India-Nepal, trigger floods and landslides</a>

Uttarakhand, where rains have claimed the lives of more than 54 people, recorded 192.6 mm against the usual 35.3 mm from October 1-20. The monsoon has wrought huge damage in the state, triggering floods and landslides that have blocked highways and smaller, key roads. Figures for the state were available till Wednesday, October 20.

Kerala received 445.1 mm of rainfall until October 20 as against the usual 303.4 mm. More than 40 people have been killed in Kerala, where videos of a house being swallowed by a swollen stream and landslides give a sense of how brutal the lashing was.

Heavy rains have also hit Sikkim, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, displacing people and damaging property.

Experts attribute the extreme weather events to various causes, including warming of the seas, unabated development and delayed withdrawal of the monsoon.

Balaji Narsimhan, professor at the Civil Engineering department, IIT-Madras, said it was undoubtedly an unusual October&nbsp;and pointed to infrastructural challenges and unabated development.

Many of these extreme weather events have taken place earlier. But now places are more densely populated which amplifies the impact,&nbsp;Narasimhan, who also studied the 2015 Chennai floods, told PTI.

In December 2015, Chennai received its highest rain in 100 years in which more than 250 people were killed.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-in-indias-northern-states-claims-46-lives-alert-sounded-in-southern-kerala-state-422189">Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state</a>

Discussing the situation in Kerala, Narsimhan said the state gets bountiful rainfall both during the Southwest monsoon and the Northeast monsoon but this year has been different.

Explaining the heavy rainfall, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said October saw the formation of two low pressure areas (cyclonic circulations that bring in rainfall and strong winds).

In Uttarakhand, he explained, the interaction between western disturbance and the low pressure area resulted in heavy rains this week.

The western disturbance over north India is a phenomenon typically observed in non-monsoon seasons.

The interaction of cold winds of western disturbance and the warm winds of the low pressure area bring in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall,&nbsp;Mohapatra said, adding that such interaction had taken place during the deadly deluge in Uttarakhand in 2013 in which hundreds of people were killed.

M Rajeevan, former Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary who has been studying the Southwest monsoon for more than three decades, said there is a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon.

Since the retreat has been late over the last few years, the IMD in 2020 had revised the withdrawal date from northwest India.

This year, the withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon from northwest India commenced on October 6, the second-most delayed withdrawal since 1975. In 2019, it had started on October 9.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-floods-77-dead-as-heavy-rains-floods-batter-nepal-422519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The IMD said its complete withdrawal from the country is expected around October 26.

More importantly, the active conditions of Southwest monsoon which began in September

have still not ended. Usually, such an active phase does not last for a month, but this time it has,&nbsp;Rajeevan said.

Warming of seas around India is another factor, Rajeevan pointed out.

He said the warming of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea helps in forming a cyclonic circulation. This year, it is aided by La Nina conditions the phenomenon is associated with the cooling of the Pacific waters and usually results in good rainfall activity&nbsp;and some remnants of cyclonic circulation from the Pacific Ocean.

Once these remnants enter the Bay of Bengal, the warm water aids in formation of cyclonic circulations.

In a paper published earlier this year, Rajeevan along with other meteorologists, said from 1970 to 2019, 7,063 extreme weather events killed 1,41,308 people in the country.&nbsp;

India received 41 per cent more rainfall than normal from October 1-21 with the Himalayan state Uttarakhand alone recording more than five times its normal precipitation, data by India's weather department showed on Thursday.

India received 41 per cent more rainfall than normal from October 1-21 with the Himalayan state Uttarakhand alone recording more than five times its normal precipitation, data by India's weather department showed on Thursday. Providing a numerical perspective to the unusually heavy rains ravaging several parts of the country, particularly the hill state of Uttarakhand in the north and coastal Kerala in the south, the India Meteorological Department said the country received 84.8 mm against the normal 60.2 mm this month. Of the 694 districts in the country, 45 per cent (311 districts in 16 states and union territories) recorded rainfall in large excess and 14 per cent (96 districts in six states and UTs). Also Read | Death toll reaches 150 as rains lash India-Nepal, trigger floods and landslides Uttarakhand, where rains have claimed the lives of more than 54 people, recorded 192.6 mm against the usual 35.3 mm from October 1-20. The monsoon has wrought huge damage in the state, triggering floods and landslides that have blocked highways and smaller, key roads. Figures for the state were available till Wednesday, October 20. Kerala received 445.1 mm of rainfall until October 20 as against the usual 303.4 mm. More than 40 people have been killed in Kerala, where videos of a house being swallowed by a swollen stream and landslides give a sense of how brutal the lashing was. Heavy rains have also hit Sikkim, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, displacing people and damaging property. Experts attribute the extreme weather events to various causes, including warming of the seas, unabated development and delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Balaji Narsimhan, professor at the Civil Engineering department, IIT-Madras, said it was undoubtedly an unusual October and pointed to infrastructural challenges and unabated development. Many of these extreme weather events have taken place earlier. But now places are more densely populated which amplifies the impact, Narasimhan, who also studied the 2015 Chennai floods, told PTI. In December 2015, Chennai received its highest rain in 100 years in which more than 250 people were killed. Also Read | Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state Discussing the situation in Kerala, Narsimhan said the state gets bountiful rainfall both during the Southwest monsoon and the Northeast monsoon but this year has been different. Explaining the heavy rainfall, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said October saw the formation of two low pressure areas (cyclonic circulations that bring in rainfall and strong winds). In Uttarakhand, he explained, the interaction between western disturbance and the low pressure area resulted in heavy rains this week. The western disturbance over north India is a phenomenon typically observed in non-monsoon seasons. The interaction of cold winds of western disturbance and the warm winds of the low pressure area bring in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, Mohapatra said, adding that such interaction had taken place during the deadly deluge in Uttarakhand in 2013 in which hundreds of people were killed. M Rajeevan, former Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary who has been studying the Southwest monsoon for more than three decades, said there is a delayed withdrawal of the monsoon. Since the retreat has been late over the last few years, the IMD in 2020 had revised the withdrawal date from northwest India. This year, the withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon from northwest India commenced on October 6, the second-most delayed withdrawal since 1975. In 2019, it had started on October 9. Watch The IMD said its complete withdrawal from the country is expected around October 26. More importantly, the active conditions of Southwest monsoon which began in September have still not ended. Usually, such an active phase does not last for a month, but this time it has, Rajeevan said. Warming of seas around India is another factor, Rajeevan pointed out. He said the warming of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea helps in forming a cyclonic circulation. This year, it is aided by La Nina conditions the phenomenon is associated with the cooling of the Pacific waters and usually results in good rainfall activity and some remnants of cyclonic circulation from the Pacific Ocean. Once these remnants enter the Bay of Bengal, the warm water aids in formation of cyclonic circulations. In a paper published earlier this year, Rajeevan along with other meteorologists, said from 1970 to 2019, 7,063 extreme weather events killed 1,41,308 people in the country.

India received 41 per cent more rainfall during October 1-21, say weather officials

Director of Meteorological Department, Kolkata, G.C. Das said, "In the next 12 hours, this tropical cyclone will ultimately become depression and will lose intensity". The wind speeds in most coastal regions of India peaked up to 90 km per hour (56 miles per hour). Some areas received heavy rainfall and faced waterlogging as well. Many trees were seen uprooted and huts and small houses were destroyed after the cyclone.

Cyclone 'Bulbul' left a trail of destruction along the eastern coast of India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-india-all-eyes-on-a-monsoon-that-is-critical-for-the-economy-228605">India's annual monsoon</a> has covered some parts of the western state of Maharashtra and conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement into the southern part of the country, a weather department official said on Thursday.

Monsoon has covered southern parts of Maharashtra and drought-hit regions of the state are likely to get good rainfall in the next few days, K.S. Hosalikar, a senior official of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters.

"In the next 2-3 days, monsoon is likely to cover some more parts of Maharashtra," he said.

Maharashtra is the country's second biggest producer of cotton, sugar cane and soybeans, and top producer of onions and summer-sown pulses. 
&nbsp;

India's annual monsoon has covered some parts of the western state of Maharashtra and conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement into the southern part of the country, a weather department official said on Thursday.

India's annual monsoon has covered some parts of the western state of Maharashtra and conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement into the southern part of the country, a weather department official said on Thursday. Monsoon has covered southern parts of Maharashtra and drought-hit regions of the state are likely to get good rainfall in the next few days, K.S. Hosalikar, a senior official of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters. "In the next 2-3 days, monsoon is likely to cover some more parts of Maharashtra," he said. Maharashtra is the country's second biggest producer of cotton, sugar cane and soybeans, and top producer of onions and summer-sown pulses.

Monsoon has hit drought-hit Maharashtra, more rainfall expected: IMD

Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at isolated places is very likely over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rayalaseema, interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, said India Meteorological Department on Thursday.

The weather forecasting agency also predicted that heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over Northeast states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Besides, Gangetic West Bengal, South interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to witness heavy downpour.

In the northern states, heat wave conditions in many parts with a severe heat wave in isolated pockets very likely over Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha; in some parts with severe heat wave in isolated pockets very likely over West Rajasthan.

"Heatwave to severe heat wave conditions in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan. Heat Wave conditions in isolated pockets over South Haryana, south Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh," stated IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin on Thursday.

Squally weather with winds, speed reaching 35-45 kmph, likely to prevail over southeast and southwest Arabian Sea off Somalia Coast, Maldives-Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar.&nbsp;

The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at isolated places is very likely over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rayalaseema, interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, said India Meteorological Department on Thursday.

Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at isolated places is very likely over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rayalaseema, interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, said India Meteorological Department on Thursday. The weather forecasting agency also predicted that heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over Northeast states such as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Besides, Gangetic West Bengal, South interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Assam and Meghalaya are likely to witness heavy downpour. In the northern states, heat wave conditions in many parts with a severe heat wave in isolated pockets very likely over Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha; in some parts with severe heat wave in isolated pockets very likely over West Rajasthan. "Heatwave to severe heat wave conditions in isolated pockets over East Rajasthan. Heat Wave conditions in isolated pockets over South Haryana, south Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh," stated IMD in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin on Thursday. Squally weather with winds, speed reaching 35-45 kmph, likely to prevail over southeast and southwest Arabian Sea off Somalia Coast, Maldives-Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next few days.

MeT Department warns of thunderstorm, lightning in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra

The arrival of the monsoon in the national capital is likely to be delayed by two-three days, though the city is expected to receive normal rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Thursday.

However, Skymet Weather, a private forecaster, said the monsoon may take at least a week longer to reach the city.

On Wednesday, the weather office said that the monsoon was likely to get delayed further and hit the Kerala coast only on June 8.

"Normally, the monsoon reaches Delhi by June 29. Since there's a delay in its onset in the southern peninsula, the wind system is likely to take two-three days longer to reach northwest India," IMD's regional weather forecasting chief Kuldeep Srivastava said.

"The good is news is the factors that aid the progress of the monsoon, including the southwesterly winds and the Somali jet stream, are gradually becoming active," he said.

Northwest India is likely to witness normal rainfall during the monsoon season, Srivastava said.

However, Mahesh Palawat, senior vice president and meteorologist at Skymet Weather, said, "It's difficult to say when will it reach Delhi exactly, but it's expected to get delayed by at least one week."

"After the onset of the monsoon, a low-pressure area is expected to develop over the Arabian Sea and it may intensify into a depression gradually. 
&nbsp;Whenever any such intense weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea, the moisture-laden winds start converging around it, affecting the progress of the monsoon.&nbsp;

"So, the progress of the monsoon will be sluggish due to the formation of the low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea," he added.

"The rainfall is expected to remain on the lower side of normal over Delhi. Since, it's a small area, one or two good spells of rains may make up for the deficit. But any surplus rain is ruled out," Palawat said.&nbsp;

The arrival of the monsoon in the national capital is likely to be delayed by two-three days, though the city is expected to receive normal rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Thursday.

The arrival of the monsoon in the national capital is likely to be delayed by two-three days, though the city is expected to receive normal rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Thursday. However, Skymet Weather, a private forecaster, said the monsoon may take at least a week longer to reach the city. On Wednesday, the weather office said that the monsoon was likely to get delayed further and hit the Kerala coast only on June 8. "Normally, the monsoon reaches Delhi by June 29. Since there's a delay in its onset in the southern peninsula, the wind system is likely to take two-three days longer to reach northwest India," IMD's regional weather forecasting chief Kuldeep Srivastava said. "The good is news is the factors that aid the progress of the monsoon, including the southwesterly winds and the Somali jet stream, are gradually becoming active," he said. Northwest India is likely to witness normal rainfall during the monsoon season, Srivastava said. However, Mahesh Palawat, senior vice president and meteorologist at Skymet Weather, said, "It's difficult to say when will it reach Delhi exactly, but it's expected to get delayed by at least one week." "After the onset of the monsoon, a low-pressure area is expected to develop over the Arabian Sea and it may intensify into a depression gradually. Whenever any such intense weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea, the moisture-laden winds start converging around it, affecting the progress of the monsoon. "So, the progress of the monsoon will be sluggish due to the formation of the low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea," he added. "The rainfall is expected to remain on the lower side of normal over Delhi. Since, it's a small area, one or two good spells of rains may make up for the deficit. But any surplus rain is ruled out," Palawat said.

Monsoon may take longer to reach Delhi, normal rainfall likely: IMD

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning are likely to occur in parts of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-cm-naveen-patnaik-writes-to-pm-modi-seeks-centres-help-218444&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi31tvC253iAhUFiXAKHblgDSQQFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BHqKPQjs8JE3RyOovMA7p">Odisha </a>today.

The alert comes days after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-pegs-cyclone-fani-loss-at-rs-12000-crore-seeks-relaxation-of-norms-218998&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi31tvC253iAhUFiXAKHblgDSQQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3u341gr4spITOS3Ms3oYWR">Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state</a>, claiming the lives of as many as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-from-cyclone-fani-rises-to-64-after-odisha-confirms-fresh-casualties-218229&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi31tvC253iAhUFiXAKHblgDSQQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3g4BVrU5lipJkIqjxNQBOW">64 people.</a>

Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said, "Dangerous thunderstorm and lightning alert for Betanati and Barsahi blocks of Mayurbhanj district and Remuna, Nilagiri and Baleswar blocks of Baleswar district today."

The official also said heavy thunderstorm and lightning is likely in areas such as Thakurmunda, Kaptipada and Hatadihi blocks of Mayurbhanj district, Anandapur and Ghasipura blocks of Keonjhar district, Khaira block of Baleswar district, Bonth and Bhadrak blocks of Bhadrak district.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar`s Meteorological Centre said, "Moderate thunderstorm or lightning with light rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Anugul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Balangir between 3-3.45 pm&nbsp;and 3-6.45 pm.

"Fani made landfall in Odisha on May 3, with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties (39), according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday.

According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani'&nbsp;in the state.

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning are likely to occur in parts of Odisha today. The alert comes days after Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 64 people.

The Meteorological centre on Wednesday said thunderstorm and lightning are likely to occur in parts of Odisha today. The alert comes days after Cyclone Fani wreaked havoc in the state, claiming the lives of as many as 64 people. Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said, "Dangerous thunderstorm and lightning alert for Betanati and Barsahi blocks of Mayurbhanj district and Remuna, Nilagiri and Baleswar blocks of Baleswar district today." The official also said heavy thunderstorm and lightning is likely in areas such as Thakurmunda, Kaptipada and Hatadihi blocks of Mayurbhanj district, Anandapur and Ghasipura blocks of Keonjhar district, Khaira block of Baleswar district, Bonth and Bhadrak blocks of Bhadrak district. Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar`s Meteorological Centre said, "Moderate thunderstorm or lightning with light rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Anugul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack and Balangir between 3-3.45 pm and 3-6.45 pm. "Fani made landfall in Odisha on May 3, with Puri recording the maximum number of casualties (39), according to official estimates released by the Odisha government on Saturday. According to government data, livestock casualties are over 34 lakhs and over one crore sixty-five lakh people were adversely affected by 'Fani' in the state.

Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for parts of Odisha

Mercury rose in the national capital on Tuesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 20.4 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal.

The MeT Office has forecast a further rise in the mercury and spell of heat waves from Wednesday onwards for the remainder of this week.

The weatherman has also predicted partly cloudy sky. The maximum temperature is likely to be 39 degrees Celsius later in the day.

Relative humidity was recorded at 62 per cent.

According to the MeT Department, the mercury will be 40 degrees Celsius and upward from April 10 to April 15.

On Monday, the maximum temperature settled at 36.4 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.2 degrees Celsius. Mercury in the national capital had dipped by 6-7 degrees Celsius on Sunday evening following dust storm and thunderstorm.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settled at 40 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius respectively, the weatherman said.&nbsp;

Mercury rose in the national capital on Tuesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 20.4 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal. The MeT Office has forecast a further rise in the mercury and spell of heat waves from Wednesday onwards for the remainder of this week.

Mercury rose in the national capital on Tuesday, with the minimum temperature settling at 20.4 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal. The MeT Office has forecast a further rise in the mercury and spell of heat waves from Wednesday onwards for the remainder of this week. The weatherman has also predicted partly cloudy sky. The maximum temperature is likely to be 39 degrees Celsius later in the day. Relative humidity was recorded at 62 per cent. According to the MeT Department, the mercury will be 40 degrees Celsius and upward from April 10 to April 15. On Monday, the maximum temperature settled at 36.4 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.2 degrees Celsius. Mercury in the national capital had dipped by 6-7 degrees Celsius on Sunday evening following dust storm and thunderstorm. On Wednesday, the maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settled at 40 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius respectively, the weatherman said.

Mercury rises in Delhi, MeT forecast heatwave for rest of week

Monsoon in India should be robust provided no El Nino surprise: Meteorological Department

India's monsoon, crucial for Asia's third-largest economy, is likely to be a robust and healthy one this year provided there isn't a surprise El Nino phenomenon, the top India Meteorological Department official said on Wednesday.

Monsoon rains, the lifeblood for India`s farm-dependent $2.6 trillion economy, arrive on the southern tip of Kerala state around June 1 and retreat from the desert state of Rajasthan by September.

India's 263 million farmers wait for monsoon rains to plant crops such as rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybean because nearly half of the country's farmland lacks irrigation. Farming output makes up just less than 14 per cent of India`s economy but the sector employs more than half of the country`s 1.3 billion population.

"It's really early to talk about the pattern that this year`s monsoon will follow, but we do know that practically no one is predicting a strong El Nino," K.J. Ramesh, director general of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters.

Plentiful monsoon rains could lift agricultural and wider economic growth and keep food prices and overall inflation subdued. That could also add to pressure on India`s central bank to cut interest rates.

On the downside, higher production could mean farmers continue to get hit by low crop prices, a major cause for concern in rural India in the past two years.

A strong El Nino, marked by a warming of the sea surface on the Pacific Ocean, can cause severe drought in Australia, Southeast Asia and India, while drenching other parts of the world such as the U.S. Midwest and Brazil in rains.

The emergence of a strong El Nino triggered back-to-back droughts in 2014 and 2015, only for the fourth time in over a century, driving some Indian farmers to penury and suicide.

The India Meteorological Department defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 percent and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 cm for the entire four-month season beginning in June.

In 2017 and 2018, rainfall was 9 per cent&nbsp;and 91 per cent of the long-term average respectively.

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon could also be a positive development, said Ramesh.

The IOD phenomenon is characterised by higher sea-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. A positive IOD creates a barrier in the eastern Indian Ocean and all the southwesterly winds blow towards the Indian sub-continent, causing rains in the country.

Weather officials say a positive IOD played a big role in bringing adequate rains to India in 1967, 1977, 1997 and 2006.

The India Meteorological Department is likely to make its first official forecast of this year`s monsoon rains by the middle of April.

India's monsoon, crucial for Asia's third-largest economy, is likely to be a robust and healthy one this year provided there isn't a surprise El Nino phenomenon, the top India Meteorological Department official said on Wednesday.

India's monsoon, crucial for Asia's third-largest economy, is likely to be a robust and healthy one this year provided there isn't a surprise El Nino phenomenon, the top India Meteorological Department official said on Wednesday. Monsoon rains, the lifeblood for India`s farm-dependent $2.6 trillion economy, arrive on the southern tip of Kerala state around June 1 and retreat from the desert state of Rajasthan by September. India's 263 million farmers wait for monsoon rains to plant crops such as rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybean because nearly half of the country's farmland lacks irrigation. Farming output makes up just less than 14 per cent of India`s economy but the sector employs more than half of the country`s 1.3 billion population. "It's really early to talk about the pattern that this year`s monsoon will follow, but we do know that practically no one is predicting a strong El Nino," K.J. Ramesh, director general of the state-run India Meteorological Department, told Reuters. Plentiful monsoon rains could lift agricultural and wider economic growth and keep food prices and overall inflation subdued. That could also add to pressure on India`s central bank to cut interest rates. On the downside, higher production could mean farmers continue to get hit by low crop prices, a major cause for concern in rural India in the past two years. A strong El Nino, marked by a warming of the sea surface on the Pacific Ocean, can cause severe drought in Australia, Southeast Asia and India, while drenching other parts of the world such as the U.S. Midwest and Brazil in rains. The emergence of a strong El Nino triggered back-to-back droughts in 2014 and 2015, only for the fourth time in over a century, driving some Indian farmers to penury and suicide. The India Meteorological Department defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96 percent and 104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 cm for the entire four-month season beginning in June. In 2017 and 2018, rainfall was 9 per cent and 91 per cent of the long-term average respectively. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon could also be a positive development, said Ramesh. The IOD phenomenon is characterised by higher sea-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. A positive IOD creates a barrier in the eastern Indian Ocean and all the southwesterly winds blow towards the Indian sub-continent, causing rains in the country. Weather officials say a positive IOD played a big role in bringing adequate rains to India in 1967, 1977, 1997 and 2006. The India Meteorological Department is likely to make its first official forecast of this year`s monsoon rains by the middle of April.

India's monsoon should be robust provided no El Nino surprise: Meteorological Department

Cyclonic Storm Pabuk over the Andaman Sea and neighbourhood moved further west-northwestwards with a speed of 21kmph in the past six hours, the India Meteorological Department said Saturday and warned fishermen against venturing out to sea.

The storm is very likely to move west-northwestwards for some more time, it said. “Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andaman Islands around evening of 06th January as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80kmph gusting to 90kmph. Thereafter, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and then recurve northeastwards towards Myanmar coast and weaken gradually during January 7 and 8,” the department said.

Rainfall at many places with heavy falls at isolated places very likely to commence over the Andaman Islands and gale wind speed reaching 70-80kmph gusting to 90kmph is likely to prevail.

The IMD warned of damage to thatched huts and power and communication lines when the storm passes the region. It urged people on the Andaman Islands to remain in safe places and suspend all fishing operations in the Andaman Sea and southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal from January 5-7 and over east central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on January 8.

The storm is likely to be very rough over south-east and east-central Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands and the adjoining Andaman Sea by January 8 and rough over east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal by January 8.

Pabuk, a once in three-decades weather system, originated over the Gulf of Thailand made landfall on Friday afternoon in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Cyclonic Storm Pabuk over the Andaman Sea and neighbourhood moved further west-northwestwards with a speed of 21kmph in the past six hours, the India Meteorological Department said Saturday and warned fishermen against venturing out to sea.

Cyclonic Storm Pabuk over the Andaman Sea and neighbourhood moved further west-northwestwards with a speed of 21kmph in the past six hours, the India Meteorological Department said Saturday and warned fishermen against venturing out to sea. The storm is very likely to move west-northwestwards for some more time, it said. “Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andaman Islands around evening of 06th January as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 70-80kmph gusting to 90kmph. Thereafter, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and then recurve northeastwards towards Myanmar coast and weaken gradually during January 7 and 8,” the department said. Rainfall at many places with heavy falls at isolated places very likely to commence over the Andaman Islands and gale wind speed reaching 70-80kmph gusting to 90kmph is likely to prevail. The IMD warned of damage to thatched huts and power and communication lines when the storm passes the region. It urged people on the Andaman Islands to remain in safe places and suspend all fishing operations in the Andaman Sea and southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal from January 5-7 and over east central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on January 8. The storm is likely to be very rough over south-east and east-central Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands and the adjoining Andaman Sea by January 8 and rough over east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal by January 8. Pabuk, a once in three-decades weather system, originated over the Gulf of Thailand made landfall on Friday afternoon in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Cyclone Pabuk: Meteorological department warns fishermen against going to sea

Night temperature at most places in Kashmir division, including Ladakh region, increased on Sunday night, but the mercury continued to fall in Kargil which experienced this winter&#39;s coldest night.

The minimum temperature in Kargil dipped over a degree from minus 13.4 degrees Celsius to minus 14.5 degrees Celsius, an official of the Meteorological Department said.

He said the mercury has been on a downward spiral for the past week in the town which experienced this winter&#39;s coldest night.

The nearby Leh recorded a low of minus 11 degrees Celsius last night over a degree up from the previous night&#39;s minus 12.2 degrees Celsius.

The official said Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius up from the previous night&#39;s minus 3.7 degrees Celsius.

The mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, a notch up, while Kokernag town recorded a low of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, the official said.

The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night compared to the previous night&#39;s minus 7.5 degrees Celsius.

He said the mercury at Pahalgam, the famous health resort which also serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, rose by nearly four degrees from minus 9.2 degrees Celsius the previous night to register the minimum of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.

The MeT office has forecast mainly dry weather in the state over the next few days.

The nearby Leh recorded a low of minus 11 degrees Celsius last night over a degree up from the previous night's minus 12.2 degrees Celsius.

Night temperature at most places in Kashmir division, including Ladakh region, increased on Sunday night, but the mercury continued to fall in Kargil which experienced this winter's coldest night. The minimum temperature in Kargil dipped over a degree from minus 13.4 degrees Celsius to minus 14.5 degrees Celsius, an official of the Meteorological Department said. He said the mercury has been on a downward spiral for the past week in the town which experienced this winter's coldest night. The nearby Leh recorded a low of minus 11 degrees Celsius last night over a degree up from the previous night's minus 12.2 degrees Celsius. The official said Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius up from the previous night's minus 3.7 degrees Celsius. The mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, a notch up, while Kokernag town recorded a low of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius. Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, the official said. The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night compared to the previous night's minus 7.5 degrees Celsius. He said the mercury at Pahalgam, the famous health resort which also serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, rose by nearly four degrees from minus 9.2 degrees Celsius the previous night to register the minimum of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius. The MeT office has forecast mainly dry weather in the state over the next few days.

At minus 13.4 degrees Celsius, Kargil in J&K experiences winter's coldest night

meteorological-department

Meteorological Department, News on Meteorological Department, stories on Meteorological Department, articles on Meteorological Department, Meteorological Department stories at Wion, Meteorological Department news, Meteorological Department latest news