Skymet has little knowledge; need to be mature in their predictions: IMD

Q&A with DR L.S. Rathore, Director General of IMD

The sudden weakening of monsoon current over some parts of India, particularly Northern-Western states has raised doubts among some weather forecaster as to whether the India Meteorological Department (IMD) was premature in declaring the onset of monsoon over all parts of India on June 16, a full month ahead of its normal onset date. 
 

In an exclusive interview with Business Standard, Director General of IMD, Dr L.S. Rathore said that the met office is sticking to its analysis that monsoon has indeed set in early this year over North India and for that matter the entire country. Edited Excerpts:

Like Skymet Weather Services are saying that IMD has probably declared the onset of monsoon over North India slightly early as the subsequent rainfall has been weak. What have to say about their analysis that southwest monsoon will actually come from June end or July?
 

Well, I can only say that Skymet has little knowledge of monsoon phenomenon and they need to mature in their predictions.
 

So, does that mean that you are saying that irrespective of the current weak phase in monsoon, the rains has indeed set in over North?
 

Yes, indeed, who says monsoon has not arrived. It has been raining in patches and yes it will revive in due course.

So how do you attribute the current weak phase in southwest monsoon over northern India?
 

Well, one must understand monsoon is a complex weather phenomenon and in the four month period the rains can sometime become active and sometime take break. This does not mean that onset criteria changes.
 

Your forecast issued last week said that rains are likely to revive over parts of northern India from the middle of next week. Overall, the rains in July are expected to be better than August. Are you sticking to your forecast?
 

We issue all our forecast after careful analysis and study and yes we are definitely sticking with all our predictions made.