The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday has forecasted a warmer beginning to the summer season this year, attributing it to the continuation of El Nino conditions. They anticipate an increase in the number of heatwave days, particularly in regions such as northeast peninsular India (Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and north interior Karnataka), as well as many parts of Maharashtra and Odisha.
It is anticipated that the country will experience above-normal rainfall in March, with projections suggesting it could exceed 117 percent of the long-period average of 29.9 mm.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated at a press conference that India is expected to witness above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures across most parts of the country during the March to May period.
Heatwave conditions are not expected over north and central India in March, he said.
Lok Sabha polls are likely to be held in April-May.
Mohapatra said that the prevailing El Nino conditions-the periodic warming of waters in the central Pacific Ocean – will continue through the summer sea- son and neutral conditions are likely to develop there- after.
La Nina conditions-generally associated with good monsoon rainfall in India are likely to set in by the second half of the monsoon season.
Meanwhile, the residents of Mumbai were treated to unexpected rainfall early on Friday, bringing a delightful surprise. Both South Mumbai and its suburbs such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Andheri, and Borivali experienced moderate rainfall accompanied by dark clouds, according to reports.
Areas including Thane, Kalyan, and Palghar also saw varying degrees of rainfall, ranging from moderate to heavy, as per reports. Videos capturing the Mumbai rains were shared by netizens on X
Typically, Mumbai starts experiencing the onset of summer in March, following the festival of Holi. While light rainfall is common dur- ing Holi, heavy rain in February or early March is unusual for the city. Unlike other parts of India where winter is more severe, Mumbai tends to have hot- ter temperatures during February and March.