New Delhi: After a disappointing June that left large parts of eastern and northeastern India with below-normal rainfall, the southwest monsoon is expected to strengthen during the second half of July, with meteorologists forecasting the region to become the country’s wettest zone.
Latest satellite imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows dense cloud bands stretching across eastern and northeastern India, while the national rainfall map indicates monsoon activity has intensified significantly over the past week.
Although India recorded an 11 per cent rainfall surplus between July 1 and July 6, several eastern states continue to face rainfall deficits accumulated during June.
According to weather experts, June remained unusually sluggish across the region as the monsoon stayed suppressed for extended periods. Frequent breaks in monsoon activity and the absence of strong low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal prevented widespread rainfall, leaving Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and parts of the Northeast with significant rainfall shortages.
The IMD now expects the Bay of Bengal to become increasingly active, generating a series of low-pressure systems likely to move inland. These systems, along with an active monsoon trough extending across northern India, are expected to bring moisture into eastern and northeastern states, resulting in widespread rainfall.
Heavy to very heavy rain is likely over Odisha, Chhattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh during the next 36 to 48 hours, while rainfall activity is expected to expand further north and east in the coming days.
The Northeast is also likely to witness a sustained spell of rainfall as moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal interact with the region’s mountainous terrain, enhancing cloud formation and precipitation.
The revival is expected to benefit agriculture, reservoirs and groundwater recharge across eastern India, where farmers have been awaiting consistent monsoon showers following a delayed and uneven start to the season.
Meanwhile, the monsoon remains active across much of the country, with Mumbai expected to receive light to moderate showers before rainfall intensifies later in the day. Forecasters say the sluggish June phase has now given way to a more vigorous July monsoon.
