Monsoon remains stuck over southern Maharashtra; IMD cites weak wind circulation

Maharashtra braces for delayed monsoon expansion amid changing weather patterns. File Pic

The monsoon's advancement in Maharashtra has remained stalled for several days due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Southwest Monsoon, which entered South Konkan and adjoining parts of South Madhya Maharashtra on June 8, has failed to make significant progress over the rest of the state, reported IANS.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, the Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) currently passes through Harnai, Solapur, Hyderabad, Bhadrachalam, Koraput, Phulbani, Ranchi, Jamui and Muzaffr, indicating that although some southern parts of Maharashtra received early monsoon showers, many regions are still waiting for the season's full arrival.

Why has the monsoon slowed down?

Meteorologists have identified several factors behind the delay. The important factors include:

• Lack of a strong moisture-bearing flow from the Arabian Sea. Normally, these winds help bring widespread rainfall to Maharashtra. However, the low-level southwesterly winds associated with the monsoon have weakened, reducing the amount of moisture reaching the state, as per the news agency.
• Weakening of the cross-equatorial flow over the western Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. This flow is a key source of moisture for the Southwest Monsoon.
• Absence of weather systems affecting rainfall. The monsoon's progress has also been affected by the absence of significant weather systems such as low-pressure areas, cyclonic circulations, or a strong offshore trough along the west coast. These systems typically help strengthen monsoon activity and support its movement across the country. Their absence has contributed to the current slowdown.
• Large-scale atmospheric patterns, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), are not currently providing favourable conditions for monsoon advancement over Maharashtra.

Rainfall likely to remain limited for now

The IMD expects rainfall activity to remain isolated across most parts of Maharashtra over the next four to five days. As a result, many areas may continue to experience below-normal rainfall during this period, as per the news agency.

However, weather models suggest that rainfall activity could increase over the Konkan region around June 24 and 25. Meteorologists are closely monitoring developments and will issue updated forecasts as conditions change, as per the news agency.

Impact on farmers and water resources

The temporary pause in monsoon activity comes at an important time for Maharashtra's agriculture sector and water management efforts. Farmers, who depend heavily on timely monsoon rains for sowing operations, may face challenges if the delay continues, reported the news agency.

The IMD has advised citizens, farmers and local authorities to stay informed through official forecasts and weather warnings while awaiting a revival of monsoon activity.

(With IANS Inputs)