The India Meteorological Department predicts above-normal July rainfall, prompting concerns of floods—Delhi-NCR braces for heavy rain amid upgraded forecasting plans.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a concerning forecast for July, predicting above-normal rainfall across the country. This forecast has raised alarms, particularly for the western Himalayan states and central river basins, where increased rainfall could lead to potential floods.
In the Delhi-NCR region, an 'orange alert' has been issued from Sunday to Wednesday due to expected moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. The IMD anticipates a generally cloudy sky with bouts of intense rain and thunderstorms from July 3 to 5. Normally, Delhi receives about 650 mm of rainfall throughout the monsoon season.
This forecast follows a recent weather event where Delhi experienced record-breaking rainfall on Friday, surpassing an 88-year-old record. Within 24 hours, the city received 228.1 mm of rain, exceeding the usual June rainfall and marking the highest since 1936.
Responding to the increasing challenges posed by such extreme weather, the IMD has announced plans to enhance its weather forecasting capabilities in Delhi-NCR. Over the next two to three years, three new Doppler radars will be installed to improve accuracy in predicting weather patterns. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the IMD chief, highlighted the urgency of these upgrades, emphasizing the recent deluge as a reminder of the critical need for better prediction systems.
While not categorized as a cloudburst, the recent heavy rains underscored the difficulties in accurately forecasting such events, both locally and globally. In addition to the Doppler radars, the IMD plans to establish additional automatic weather stations and a flood warning model. These measures aim to bolster Delhi's readiness against extreme weather events, echoing similar initiatives in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
By strengthening its forecasting infrastructure, the IMD seeks to elevate Delhi-NCR's resilience against unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring better preparedness and response to potential risks like floods and heavy rains.
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