The current dates for onset of monsoon in different areas of the country may change from the next season. The scientists are working to revise the current dates in the backdrop of more comprehensive database at their disposal. The current normal dates for onset of monsoon in Kerala is June 1 and, in Delhi, it is June 29.
Equipped with a database of more than 80 years up to 2009, a team of nearly 40 scientists are working on the new dates, which are likely to be finalised by the next season. Scientists feel that with more comprehensive data and better analysis tools, the new dates will give a more realistic picture of the onset of monsoon and help in making much accurate forecast.
However, a senior official of the IMD maintained that the new dates may not change beyond a couple of days than the existing set up. Also, the official added, the new dates will not indicate great change in the entire seasonal phenomenon. “Monsoon is a dynamic seasonal phenomenon depending on so many factors. Hence, it may exceed or precede the new dates by up to a week. The dates are only pointers,” said the official.
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No let-up in heatwave in north
New Delhi, June 27: Despite scattered rainfall, there was no let-up in the heatwave engulfing most parts of northern belt on Sunday with Sriganganagar in Rajasthan baking at 44.6ºC.
Delhiites too endured a hot day with overnight showers failing to bring down day temperature in the national capital which hovered above normal level. The high humidity only compounded the woes of the citizens.
The city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.1ºC, two notches above normal, while the humidity level oscillated between 77 and 35 per cent. However night temperature settled at 27.4ºC, two degrees below normal. on Saturday, the city recorded a maximum and minimum temperature of 41.6ºC and 27.4ºC respectively.
Meanwhile, premonsoon rains lashed southern parts of Rajasthan, even as north-western region of the desert state reeled under hot and humid conditions. Sriganganagar sizzled at 44.8ºC while Churu endured a hot day at 44.6ºC. —PTI