Monsoon not so soon

Reeling under sweltering heat compounded by shortage of water and electricity, Delhi and neighbouring region can expect some relief in the next couple of days with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting pre-monsoon showers in the region by month-end.

The monsoon is expected to reach Delhi by the first week of July, a week behind its normal scheduled date of June 29. Reviving after a prolonged weak phase, the monsoon on Saturday further advanced into the central India bringing showers in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Chhattisgarh.

Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is also likely over west coast, Assam and Meghalaya, east Uttar Pradesh during next 48 hours. The IMD said conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon over some more parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and some more parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and remaining parts of Maharashtra and west Bengal & Sikkim and some more parts of Orissa during next 2-3 days.

The IMD has forecast a below average monsoon this year with country likely to receive only 93 percent of the expected rainfall. According to Met officials, northwest India will receive 81 percent of the average rainfall, which is the lowest in the country.