Weather Update: Soon North India may get relief from the heat, Monsoon to reach on 15 June | IMD |- Watch Video

Monsoon Update | Weather News: The Director-General of the Meteorological Department Mrityunjay Mohapatra said on Wednesday that the monsoon rains are likely to pick up in the country from June 15. During this period, there is a possibility of rain in the central and northern plains of the country. About 70 percent of the annual rainfall in India occurs during the monsoon season and is considered very important for the country's agro-based economy. This year the monsoon had reached Kerala on May 29, two days before its normal time. However, since June 1, the rainfall has been 42 percent less than the average.

IMD Monsoon Update

The Meteorological Department considers 96 to 104 percent of the 50-year average of 87 cm as normal rainfall for the entire monsoon season. However, southern, eastern and northeastern states have received normal and above normal rainfall, Mohapatra said. "There has been above normal rainfall in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Assam, South Bengal, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Karnataka," he said. The progress of monsoon during this period is crucial for the planting of many crops, especially in central and north-west India. Monsoon will play a key role in determining the paddy crop this year and good rainfall will help India maintain its reputation in the global rice trade.

Heat wave continues in North-West and Central India

The heat wave continued in many parts of North-West and Central India on Wednesday as well. The highest maximum temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius was recorded in Ganganagar in Rajasthan and Brahmapuri in Maharashtra. 

No relief from heat wave in Delhi

Several parts of Delhi recorded severe heat wave conditions for the sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that some relief is expected in two days. Delhi's base station Safdarjung Observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal. Four of Delhi's 11 weather stations recorded heatwave outbreaks on Tuesday. The sports complex recorded a maximum temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the city. Najafgarh, Mungeshpur, Pitampura and Ridge station recorded maximum temperatures of 46.3 degrees Celsius, 46.2 degrees Celsius, 45.7 degrees Celsius and 45.2 degrees Celsius, respectively.