After an unusually
dry August, characterized by deficient rainfall, the Southwest Monsoon is poised for a revival in the upcoming weekend, bringing much-needed rain to central and southern regions of India, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of IMD, provided insights into the expected weather patterns. "September is likely to witness normal rainfall, ranging between 91-109 percent of the long period average of 167.9 mm," Mohapatra said.
However, he also pointed out that even if September experiences higher rainfall, the cumulative average for the June-September monsoon season is projected to remain below normal. The root cause of the August drought, he explained, was the emergence of El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
On a more positive note, Mohapatra highlighted the shift in the Indian Ocean Dipole, which denotes the temperature difference between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This transition towards a positive phase has the potential to counteract the influence of El Niño, Mohapatra stated.
He went on to elaborate that the Madden Julian Oscillation, a phenomenon marked by the eastward movement of clouds, along with favorable tropical rainfall conditions, is set to contribute to the revival of the monsoon. The anticipation of the monsoon's return brings a sense of relief to regions that have been grappling with water scarcity and parched landscapes due to the prolonged dry spell.
