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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather forecast indicating a diverse range of conditions across the country. The primary concern is the potential for extremely heavy rainfall in specific regions, particularly Karnataka and Konkan. According to the IMD's predictions, isolated places over Karnataka are likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall on May 20 and 21. Konkan is also expected to face similar conditions on May 21. This heightened rainfall activity necessitates increased vigilance and preparedness from local authorities and residents in these areas. The forecast emphasizes the need for precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks associated with flooding, landslides, and disruptions to daily life. Furthermore, very heavy rainfall is also anticipated in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Assam, and Meghalaya throughout the period of May 19-23. This widespread rainfall across southern and northeastern India underscores the importance of a coordinated response to address the potential challenges posed by heavy precipitation. The forecast highlights the complex interplay of meteorological factors contributing to these weather patterns, emphasizing the role of atmospheric disturbances and monsoon activity in shaping regional climate conditions.
While several regions brace for heavy rainfall, other parts of India are expected to experience contrasting weather conditions, namely heatwave conditions. The IMD forecasts that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in isolated pockets of West Rajasthan during May 19-24, East Rajasthan during May 19-22, and Haryana during May 19-21. This prolonged period of intense heat poses a significant risk of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. The forecast advises residents in these areas to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the adverse effects of heat exposure, including staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities during peak hours, and seeking shelter in cool environments. In addition to heatwave conditions, warm night conditions are also likely in parts of Rajasthan and Haryana during this period. The combination of high daytime temperatures and warm nights can exacerbate the physiological stress on the human body, making it even more crucial to adopt preventive measures. Furthermore, hot and humid weather is expected to prevail over Odisha on May 19 and 20, adding to the overall challenges posed by the prevailing weather conditions across the country. The IMD's forecast emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the diverse range of weather-related risks facing different regions of India.
In addition to rainfall and heatwave conditions, the IMD's forecast also highlights the potential for isolated dust storms in certain parts of the country. According to the predictions, isolated dust storms (40-50 kilometers per hour) are very likely over West Rajasthan during May 19-22 and over Haryana and Punjab on May 19. These dust storms can significantly reduce visibility, disrupt transportation, and pose respiratory health risks. Residents in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the effects of dust exposure, including staying indoors, wearing masks, and avoiding outdoor activities during dust storm events. Furthermore, the forecast also addresses the weather conditions expected in the northeastern region of India. Widespread light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-50 km/h), is likely to persist in the northeast for the next seven days. Isolated very heavy rainfall is expected in Assam and Meghalaya on May 19 and 20. This combination of rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds can lead to disruptions to daily life, including power outages, transportation delays, and potential damage to infrastructure. The IMD's forecast emphasizes the need for preparedness and vigilance in the northeastern region to mitigate the potential risks associated with these weather conditions.
The IMD's forecast also includes specific predictions for northwest India. Isolated hailstorms are very likely over Himachal Pradesh on May 19 and over Uttarakhand on May 19 and 20. Hailstorms can cause significant damage to crops, property, and infrastructure. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Uttarakhand during May 23-25, further increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. The IMD advises residents in these areas to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from the potential impacts of hailstorms and heavy rainfall. In east and central India, thundersquall activity (50-60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h) is expected in parts of Gangetic and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Marathwada. Thundersqualls can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning, posing a significant risk to life and property. Very heavy rainfall is likely in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on May 20. The IMD's forecast emphasizes the need for preparedness and vigilance in these regions to mitigate the potential risks associated with thundersquall activity and heavy rainfall.
In the western region of India, heavy rainfall is expected to continue over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada, with gusty winds reaching up to 70 km/h in some regions. Widespread rainfall with thunderstorms is also likely across these regions during 19-25 May. This prolonged period of heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, landslides, and disruptions to daily life. The IMD advises residents in these areas to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from the potential impacts of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. In the southern region of India, widespread thunderstorms with gusty winds are likely over Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected over Karnataka on May 20 and 21. The IMD's forecast emphasizes the need for preparedness and vigilance in these regions to mitigate the potential risks associated with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall.
Finally, the IMD provides an update on the advancement of the southwest monsoon. The southwest monsoon has further advanced over more parts of the south Arabian Sea, Maldives & Comorin area, South Bay of Bengal, central Bay of Bengal and northeast Bay of Bengal as of May 19. Conditions are favourable for further advancement over additional regions during the next 2-3 days. This advancement of the monsoon is a crucial indicator of the overall rainfall patterns expected in India during the monsoon season. The IMD's monitoring of the monsoon's progress provides valuable information for farmers, policymakers, and the general public, allowing them to prepare for the potential impacts of the monsoon rains on agriculture, water resources, and overall economic activity. In conclusion, the IMD's comprehensive weather forecast highlights the diverse range of weather conditions expected across India, emphasizing the need for preparedness and vigilance to mitigate the potential risks associated with rainfall, heatwaves, dust storms, hailstorms, and thundersqualls. The forecast also provides valuable information on the advancement of the southwest monsoon, allowing for informed decision-making and proactive planning to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the monsoon season.
Source: Daily weather tracker: Extremely heavy rain likely over Karnataka and Konkan on May 20-21