The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted “above normal” rainfall in the country for February.
IMD’s prediction comes after the department said the rainfall over northwest India during January 2024 (3.1 mm) was second lowest since 1901.
In a presser, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said India cumulatively may experience above-normal rainfall in February.
“Above normal rainfall (more than 119 per cent of long period average) expected in India in February 2024,” IMD chief Mohapatra said.
The department predicted above normal rainfall (over 122 per cent of long period average) predicted over north India for February.
IMD chief Mohapatra said normal to above normal rainfall is likely expected over most of northeast, central and northwest India, while below normal rainfall is expected over south peninsula for February.
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He also said above-normal maximum temperatures are likely expected over northwest, west central and northeast parts and some parts of east-central of the country for February.
The IMD chief Mohapatra also said the fog prevailed over Indo-Gangetic plains from Dec 25-Jan 30, which is one of the longest spells over the region in the recent years.
The strong El Nino conditions— abnormal warming of surface waters in the central Pacific Ocean are likely to weaken steadily and turn to ENSO neutral conditions by the end of the spring season.
Most models indicate a transition to La Nina conditions, considered favourable for Indian southwest monsoon, around July-September, IMD chief Mohapatra said.
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“Most models indicate transition to La Nina conditions, considered favourable for Indian southwest monsoon, around July-September,” he said.
