India Rainfall News Today

Light to moderate rainfall is predicted over plains of Northwest India today

After experiencing a drier-than-usual December and January, northwest India is expected to see normal to above-normal rainfall in February, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.

This is the eighth year in a row that monsoon rainfall in India has been broadly in the normal range. But behind this figure lie sharp regional as well as daily variations. Climate change is one reason behind this

Indias food ministry has said that the forecast for rain in the country this month should limit damage to crops, ensuring sufficient supplies. Rising food prices have been a major concern for the government, leading to restrictions on rice exports and the sale of state reserves. Wheat supplies are also sufficient, and the government is considering whether to scrap import duties.

Weather department says monthly rainfall for September likely to be normal

Monsoon rains were 36% below average in August at 162.7 mm and overall summer rains were 10% lower than normal since the season began on June 1, says director-general of IMD

El Nino and the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) are causing below-normal rainfall in India, which could lead to a significant drought. The agriculture sector, which heavily relies on monsoon rains, will be negatively impacted, affecting both food production and prices. This could result in higher inflation and potentially force the Reserve Bank of India to raise interest rates. The MJO cycle is being affected by the expansion of the warm pool, leading to altered rainfall patterns globally.

India is experiencing its driest August in over 100 years due, in part, to the El Nino weather pattern, according to sources. Weather officials have warned the lack of rainfall could damage yields of summer crops such as rice and soybeans, leading to higher prices and inflation, which is already at its highest level since January 2020.

"This year, we are experiencing more than usual rainfall, probably due to global warming... Heavy rains mixed with flash flooding will further delay planting, resulting in lower-than-normal yields.

Weathermen have issued a warning that such interactions will be more and more likely to lead to extreme rain and flooding in as the world gradually warms. The serious warning had resonated with various quarters in India even as the latest torrential downpour has served to wipe out this seasons nationwide rain deficit.