Latest news with #MMohapatra
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Defunct Doppler radars hit weather predictions in Delhi
Despite almost a fortnight elapsing since the onset of monsoon in Delhi, two of the Capital's three Doppler weather radars (DWRs), used to track clouds and predict rain, are not functional, officials aware of the matter said. A Doppler weather radar sends radio waves from its antenna, which hit clouds and bounce back, allowing it to gauge how far rain clouds or rainfall activity actually are from the city. (AP) Delhi has three DWRs, at Palam, Lodhi Road, and Ayanagar, which have ranges of 400km, 250km, and 100km, respectively. The DWRs at Lodhi Road and Ayanagar have both been out of operation for over a month now, making forecasts reliant on the remaining radar at Palam. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this to routine maintenance, but added that the Doppler at Ayanagar is likely to be made operational soon. A DWR sends radio waves from its antenna, which hit clouds and bounce back, allowing it to gauge how far rain clouds or rainfall activity actually are from the city. Based on the distance and trajectory of the clouds, IMD forecasts when rainfall will hit a particular point in the city, along with the intensity expected. Experts said that while the Palam DWR has the largest radius—not impacting monsoon forecasts significantly—the Doppler radars at Lodhi Road and Ayanagar have a shorter radius and thus, allow for more precise short-term forecasts, allowing weather forecasters to gauge more accurately which areas are likely to receive more rain. 'Lodhi road has been out of operation for nearly two months now. Ayanagar has also been out of operations for over a month. The two in theory work together to add to the Palam doppler by giving a more precise estimate on how fast clouds are moving and the storm intensity. If one has at least Lodhi road available alongside Palam, forecasts, along with the possible impact time and the area being affected becomes more precise,' said Ashwary Tiwari, a meteorologist who runs the page IndiaMetSky on X. DWRs operate within the S, C and X bands of the microwave spectrum, allowing wavelengths ranging from 2.4 to 15 cm to be sent out to detect different weather systems. While the Ayanagar's DWR has an X-band radar, the Lodhi Road one uses a C-band, and the Palam radar uses an S-band. M Mohapatra, director general of IMD, however, said even with the two Doppler radars out for maintenance, there were no challenges to forecasting weather in Delhi for this monsoon. 'We will operationalise Ayanagar soon,' Mohapatra added. Last monsoon, both Palam and Lodhi Road radars were out of operation, with only the one at Ayanagar operational, when 'almost a cloudburst' was seen in Delhi with 91mm precipitation recorded in a single hour between 5am and 6am, and over 228mm in a 24-hour window. The IMD had failed to forecast such an intensity, owing to the short radius of Ayanagar.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
IMD predicts wetter July, sounds flood alert for east central region
Rainfall over India is likely to be above normal, exceeding 106% of the long period average in July, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday, in a forecast that should bring cheer to farmers, likely boost the rural economy, and keep inflation down. July is the main monsoon month and normally records 28 cm of the total LPA of 87 cm for the four monsoon months –– June, July, August and September. (PTI) With June rains exceeding normal by 8.9%, the July forecast means this year's rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon could meet the weather office's April estimate of being above normal. Overall June rain was 8.9% excess, with 42.2% excess over northwest India; 24.8% excess over central India; 2.7% deficiency over south peninsula and 16.9% deficiency over east and northeast India. The long period average or LPA in July for the country, based on data from 1971 to 2020 is about 280.4 mm. 'Many parts of the country are likely to experience normal to above normal rainfall. However, most parts of northeast India and many parts of east India, extreme south peninsular India and some areas of northwest India are likely to receive below normal rainfall,' IMD officials said on Monday. July is the main monsoon month and normally records 28 cm of the total LPA of 87 cm for the four monsoon months--June, July, August and September. It is also a critical month for agriculture as sowing of paddy and other kharif (monsoon sown) crops takes place during July. The monsoon is critical for India's economy with 51% of India's farmed area, accounting for 40% of production, being rain-fed. IMD has however warned of flooding in Uttarakhand, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi , parts of east Central India including Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and parts of Maharashtra . 'Our long range forecast indicates that Uttarakhand, Haryana-Chandigarh-Haryana region and several parts of central and east central India will receive above-normal rain. We should take care and there should be continuous monitoring. There are several river basins in these areas, rivulets are also flowing here and hence reservoirs need continuous monitoring so that there is timely release of excess water,' said M Mohapatra, director general, IMD. 'It is also important to note that there are several south flowing rivers in Uttarakhand and there are important towns and cities along these rivers. We need to be cautious. Do not be complacent,' added Mohapatra. The Ganga and Yamuna also originate in Uttarakhand. Both day and night temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal in many areas in July, IMD said. 'Monthly average maximum temperatures are expected to remain normal to below normal in many regions, except northeast India and some areas of the northwest, east and southern peninsula, where they are likely to be above normal,' IMD said. 'Minimum temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal over many parts of the country. However, above normal minimum temperatures are likely over Northeast India, many parts of south peninsular India and some parts of Northwest, East and Central India,' IMD added in its forecast. June was relatively cool. Average maximum temperature during June (34.11 degree C) was 36th lowest and average minimum temperature (24.88 degree C) was 86th lowest since 1901. Mean temperature was also 57th lowest for the country. Rainfall in June was around 9% excess over the country. Around 70 stations reported extremely heavy rain (over 20 cm) and 432 stations reported very heavy rain (15 to 20 cm). As HT has previously reported, aggregate rainfall hides regional disparities.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Conditions favourable for monsoon advance to places including Delhi: IMD
The monsoon has advanced to the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu, more areas of Punjab, west Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. Parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are yet to receive the first spells of monsoon rain. Parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are yet to receive the first spells of monsoon rain. (HT PHOTO) The monsoon is the lifeblood of India's economy. It arrived in Kerala on May 24, eight days before its normal date. June 1 is the normal date for monsoon onset in Kerala. The IMD said conditions were favourable for the monsoon advance to more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the remaining areas of western Uttar Pradesh over the next 36 hours. The northern limit of the monsoon was passing through Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Agra, Rampur, Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh), Karnal (Haryana), and Punjab's Halwara. Heavy to very heavy rainfall and extremely heavy rain were recorded in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Gujarat and Konkan, east Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Heavy rainfall was recorded at isolated places in Odisha, Karnataka, and Manipur. The monsoon advances northwards, usually in surges, and covers the entire country around July 15. It marks the transition from scorching temperatures. According to the agriculture ministry, 51% of India's farmed area, accounting for 40% of production, is rain-fed, making monsoon critical. With 47% of the country's population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood, a bountiful monsoon is directly related to a healthy rural economy. The IMD said isolated heavy rainfall was likely in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, east Uttar Pradesh, until June 30 On Sunday, IMD director general M Mohapatra said the monsoon has covered most of north India a bit early, but they were yet to give the forecast for the entire country. 'Key states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan are also left to be covered. We expect these states will be covered over the next few days.' He said good rainfall was expected this week, especially because of a low-pressure area over south Uttar Pradesh and Gangetic West Bengal. 'These features are good for the monsoon.'
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Monsoon covered most of North; may reach Punjab, Haryana, Delhi in 2 days: IMD
Monsoon has covered most of north India by Sunday, with conditions favourable for its further advancement in parts of North Arabian Sea, some more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, some parts of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, remaining parts of West Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu over the next two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. An inundated area in Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, on Sunday. (PTI) Until Sunday, monsoon advanced over most parts of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, entire Ladakh and Kashmir, and some parts of Punjab, leaving out northwestern states Haryana and Delhi. The northern limit of monsoon is now passing through Jaipur, Agra, Rampur, Dehradun, Shimla, Pathankot and Jammu. Also Read | Heavy rain to hit Delhi tomorrow, IMD issues yellow alert 'Monsoon has covered most of north India a bit early, but we have not yet given the forecast for the coverage of the entire country. Key states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi and parts of Rajasthan are also left to be covered,' IMD director general M Mohapatra said. 'We are expecting that these states will be covered over the next few days. We are expecting good rainfall over the next few days especially because of a low pressure area over south Uttar Pradesh, and over Gangetic West Bengal. These features are good for the monsoon.' Normally, by June 15, monsoon advances over more parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai, remaining areas of Telangana, south Chhattisgarh, remaining areas of central India, most areas of Odisha, most parts of West Bengal, Sikkim and some eastern areas of Bihar and Jharkhand. It then advances over southern parts of Gujarat and Kutch, remaining parts of Maharashtra, south Madhya Pradesh, remaining parts of Odisha, and most parts of north Chhattisgarh, most areas of Jharkhand and Bihar by June 20. Also Read | Monsoon advances further, heavy rainfall alert in Himachal Thereafter, monsoon progresses further north and westwards and covers most parts of Gujarat and Kutch, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana, Delhi and east Rajasthan by June 30. It advances over the remaining areas of northwest India by July 8. This year, the monsoon has covered most areas earlier than expected and has had an unusual trajectory so far. Monsoon made its onset over Kerala eight days in advance on May 24 and covered large parts of the country, including Mumbai on the west coast, soon after. But, it did not progress at all between May 29 and June 15. After June 15, there has been a surge and monsoon caught up with its early trajectory. Maximum temperatures were markedly above normal (> 5.1°C) at few places over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and at isolated places over Odisha; and appreciably above normal (3.1°C to 5.0°C) at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya, sub Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal and Kerala and Mahe. A low-pressure area is over southeast Uttar Pradesh and its neighbourhood, and the associated upper air cyclonic circulation in middle tropospheric levels is tilting southwards with height. It is likely to move slowly northwestwards and weaken gradually over the next 12 hours. An east-west shear line/trough runs from south Pakistan to central parts of Bangladesh across central parts of Rajasthan, northwest Madhya Pradesh, cyclonic circulation associated with low pressure area over central parts of south Uttar Pradesh and neighbourhood, Jharkhand, north Gangetic West Bengal in lower tropospheric levels. A trough from north Punjab to north Bihar across south Haryana, and the cyclonic circulation associated with low pressure area is over central parts of south Uttar Pradesh in lower tropospheric levels. An upper air cyclonic circulation is lying over northeast Assam in lower tropospheric levels, and another is also likely to form over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood around June 25.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Monsoon to advance further, predicts IMD
Conditions are favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon over parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha; some parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and even some parts of Bihar and east Uttar Pradesh during next two to three days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. Monsoon is likely to be in an active phase with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rain (>20 cm) at isolated places over south peninsular India, Konkan and Goa till June 16. Over the weekend, monsoon has advanced into remaining parts of central Arabian Sea; some parts of north Arabian Sea, Gujarat, remaining parts of Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Telangana; some parts of Madhya Pradesh; some more parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The Northern Limit of Monsoon passes through Veraval, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Khargone, Amravati, Durg, Bargarh, Chandbali, Sandhead Island and Balurghat. HT reported on Saturday that after a hiatus of a fortnight, conditions have become favourable for further advancement of the southwest monsoon. The long hiatus was mainly due to weaker monsoon flow and dry air intrusion from northwest, according to experts. 'Easterly winds have strengthened due to a cyclonic circulation over Bay of Bengal. Parts of Gujarat and Mumbai saw very heavy rain today. Monsoon will cover MP, West Bengal, Odisha, east UP etc soon. Monsoon may reach Delhi before or near the normal date,' said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology, Skymet Weather. 'A cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal next week. This will lead to an increase in rainfall. Rainfall activity will expand westwards and monsoon will cover nearly the entire country, including all of northwest India in the week of June 19 and June 25,' M Mohapatra, director general, IMD said on Friday. Further, monsoon is likely to advance over most parts of northwest India during the week of June 19 to 25, IMD has said in its extended range forecast on Thursday. This is earlier than expected. Maximum temperatures are likely to decrease over northwest India during that week. These are likely to be below normal over most parts of the country, IMD has said. An upper air cyclonic circulation is lying over northwest Bay of Bengal and neighbourhood in lower and middle tilting southwestwards. An upper air cyclonic circulation is lying over south Gujarat and neighbourhood. Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over the same region during the next 24 hours. It is likely to move north-northwestwards and become more marked during the subsequent 24 hours. An upper air cyclonic circulation is lying over south Punjab and another over northeast Punjab and neighbourhood in lower tropospheric levels. A western disturbance is impacting the western Himalayan region. An upper air cyclonic circulation is also lying over northeast Assam and neighbourhood in lower tropospheric levels. Under the influence of these conditions, light/moderate rainfall at some/isolated places accompanied with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds speed reaching 40-50 kmph are likely over northwest India till June 22 with thundersquall (wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph) over Rajasthan on June 16 and 17. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Uttarakhand, east Uttar Pradesh till June 22; Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh on June 21 and 22; Punjab, Haryana, east Rajasthan on June 21 and 22; west Uttar Pradesh and west Rajasthan on June 19 and 22. Monsoon delivers nearly 70% of India's annual rainfall and remains vital for the economy. About 51% of India's farmed area, accounting for 40% of agricultural production, is rain-fed, with 47% of the population dependent on agriculture for livelihood. Consistent and moderate amounts of rain – as opposed to heavy or very heavy rainfall days – is thus crucial for the country's agriculture and rural sector. Such balanced rainfall helps control prices of staples such as sugar, pulses, rice, and vegetables, potentially easing inflation concerns.
