IMD predicts dry, hot week in north; rains likely in northeast

Weather in several parts of North India will remain hot this week as the Indian Meteorological department has predicted a lull in rainfall activity in the region, but northeast and sub-Himalayan regions, west coast and southern peninsula will see fair amount of precipitation.

"Sub-dual rainfall activity would continue over plains of northwest India during the week.

"Rain/thundershowers would occur at most places likely with heavy to very heavy rainfall over northeast India and sub Himalayan West Bengal during the week. Fairly wide spread rainfall with isolated heavy falls likely over west coast and south Peninsular India till 26 August," the IMD said.

The lull in the activity will also result in rise in temperature in the plains while parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat will see a marginal decrease in the rainfall. However, East Uttar Pradesh, which has been witnessing floods, will see increase in precipitation.

"Rainfall will almost be nil in Northwest India and temperatures will be on the rise. West coast and some parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Vidarbha will observe a marginal decrease in intensity of rain during this time.

"Central India will observe light rain, while the intensity will increase in East India including east Uttar Pradesh. This may hamper recovery work in the flood-hit areas. South and Northeast India will see continued rainfall activity," Skymet, a private forecasting agency said.

According to the IMD, the country as a whole has received 516 mm of rainfall as compared to normal precipitation of 630.4 mm, which is minus 18%. The figure has stayed constant more or less for the past three weeks.

The Northwest region is the worst affected. It recorded just 312 mm of rainfall as compared to expected figure of 438.1 mm, which is minus 29%, highest in the country.

Central India has witnessed 593.7 mm of rainfall as compared to normal monsoon of 698.5 mm, which is minus 15% than the expected, while south peninsula has witnessed minus 16% rainfall.

East and northeast have recorded minus 15% of rainfall as compared to normal.