Weather Update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday (February 28) said that February was the warmest in the last 122 years since 1901, with the average maximum temperature 1.73 degrees above normal and the average minimum temperature 0.81 degrees above normal. The IMD said that most parts of north and northwest India and adjoining central India recorded above normal maximum temperatures in February.
The maximum temperature in south peninsular India was below normal. The possibility of above normal maximum temperature can be reasonably estimated over Northwest, Central and Northeast India.
“Except for a few areas of North and Northeast India which observed above normal minimum temperatures, below normal minimum temperatures were experienced over most parts of the country. The comparison indicates that the temperature forecast for most parts of the country is within can be fitted well.”
The Meteorological Department said that during the upcoming hot weather season (March to May), above normal maximum temperatures are likely over most parts of Northeast India, East and Central India and parts of Northwest India.
“Remaining parts of the country are most likely to have below normal to normal maximum temperatures. The month of March, otherwise considered spring – a transitional month to summer – will have above normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country except peninsular India There is a possibility of a record. Where as the maximum maximum temperature is likely to be below normal.”
Predictions for the month of March:
Heat wave conditions are more likely over central India in March as well. “Above normal minimum temperatures in March are likely over most parts of India except south peninsular India where below normal minimum temperatures are likely. Average rainfall over the country is likely to be normal (long period average) 83-117 per cent), the IMD said.
“Lower than normal rainfall very likely over Northwest India, West Central India, and parts of East and Northeast India. Above normal rainfall over most parts of Peninsular India, East Central India and isolated parts of Northeast India likely to happen.” India,” it added.
Addressing a virtual press conference, SC Bhan, head of IMD’s Hydromet and Agromet Advisory Services, said heatwave was less likely in March, but most parts of the country may experience extreme weather conditions in April and May .
He said that most areas of northwest India, west-central India and parts of east and northeast India are expected to receive below normal rainfall. Above normal rainfall is very likely over most parts of Peninsular India, East-Central India and at a few isolated places over Northeast India.
Impact of La Nina conditions:
Bhan said La Nina conditions currently prevail over the equatorial Pacific, which were expected to weaken and turn into El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions during the pre-monsoon season.
He said it was too early to predict the impact of El Nino conditions on the monsoon season. “April would be a better time to forecast the impact of El Nino on monsoon. We will issue a forecast in mid-April,” Bhan said.
(with inputs from agencies)
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