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The southern Indian peninsula region experienced its hottest and driest June in 122 years, with temperatures hitting 34.05°C and rainfall hitting a record low of 88.6mm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). These alarming weather patterns, which deviated significantly from long-term averages, have raised concerns about the ongoing monsoon season.
Compared to the previous record lowest rainfall of 90.7mm in 1976, June 2023 witnessed the second lowest rainfall ever recorded for the month. The region's average normal rainfall for June is 161mm, highlighting the severity of the shortfall.
The IMD reported that the average maximum temperature of 34.05°C observed in the region during June was the highest recorded since 1901. The average temperature reached 30.05°C, surpassing the previous record of 29.98° C established in 2014.
Despite recent progress in the monsoon, several southern Indian states continue to face significant rainfall deficits. As of July 4, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh reported rainfall deficits of 53%, 52%, 44%, and 26%, respectively.
Within Telangana, 12 districts experienced large deficient rainfall, while nine districts in Kerala faced similar conditions. The situation is critical considering that Kerala had already witnessed a 34% rainfall deficit during the pre-monsoon period.
Of the 36 subdivisions, only three received large excess rainfall, seven experienced excess rainfall, and 17 encountered poor rainfall during June. Two subdivisions recorded large deficient rainfall.
The national average temperature for June 2023 was the seventh warmest since 1901, with the mean temperature rising to 29.99°C. Eastern and north-eastern India witnessed the third warmest June on record, with temperatures 1.73°C above normal.
East India was hardest hit by heatwaves, with many more heatwave days recorded than usual duration in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and other parts of the region. However, north-west and adjacent central parts of India experienced cooler-than-normal temperatures, with no heatwaves occurring.
The IMD has issued heavy rain warnings over the southern Indian peninsula, northern Maharashtra until July 6 and over Gujarat from July 6-8. Red alerts have been declared for Kerala and an orange alert for the rest of the west coast indicating the need for preparation and preventive measures.
The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Uttar Pradesh and parts of northeastern India due to heavy rain. The meteorological department highlighted the change in the monsoon trough and the presence of cyclone circulations, which are expected to bring heavy rain to Maharashtra and Gujarat in the coming days.
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