The Gateway of India in Mumbai is covered by monsoon clouds.
According to an official from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on June 19, who said that it had slowed down after hitting Mumbai, but was expected to be advancing at a faster rate and could go as far as June 21-22.
This will give a much needed relief to the heatwave-ravaged North India.
But Mr. Sunil Kamble, Head of Regional Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai said, ”When monsoons hit Mumbai, they were weak for a while but they slowly became moderate. It will become stronger by June 21-22 and coastal Maharashtra is likely to receive good rainfall. While Marathwada in Central Maharashtra will receive light rains to moderate during this period” .
Mumbai saw some rainfall earlier today but it did not last long enough to offer any respite from scorching heat.
Monsoons arrived in Mumbai on June 9, two days ahead of its normal date. Since then it has made negligible progress and parts of north Maharashtra and Vidarbha are still awaited.
India has received less than average rainfall since the start of the Southwest Monsoon on June 1, with no significant progress occurring between June 12 and 18.
June will have below-normal rainfaII as per IMD forecast yesterday.
Most sowing for Kharif crops occurs during the months of June and July when they are considered to be two most important monsoon months for agriculture.
