Vayu delays monsoon arrival in Central India

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12

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Cyclone Vayu is not just threatening Gujarat with flooding and damaging winds, it is also adversely affecting the southwest monsoon, disrupting its current. Meteorologists say while western parts of the country will continue to receive good rains, parched interiors of Peninsular and Central India may experience a further delay in the much-needed seasonal rains.

Cyclone Vayu and El Niño are elongating the heat wave spell, sending temperatures soaring in several parts, though the Northwest has received some respite due to dust storms. Over the next couple of days, dust storm and gusty winds (30-40 Kmph) can be expected over isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, bringing down the temperatures, they say.

However, no further advancement of monsoon is expected till June 15, when Vayu subsides. So, already running late by seven to 12 days, the monsoon is expected to arrive in Central India only by around June 25 to month-end. It means its progress into the Northwest may also be delayed, though as per DS Pai, head of the Long Range forecast of the IMD, Pune, it all depends upon its “circulation features”. “Once monsoon reaches Central India, possibly around June 25 to month-end, it may travel fast depending upon its circulation features,” Pai adds.

2.15 lakh shifted as cyclone set to hit Guj

• Triggered by a warmer Arabian Sea and acquiring moisture from the monsoon, cyclone Vayu on Wednesday got more intense with forecasts revising its wind speed up to 155-165 kmph and gusting at 180 km when it touches the Gujarat coast on Thursday afternoon.
• More than 2.15 lakh people were evacuated to safety with scores of buses and three special trains pressed into service. The IMD says the cyclone changing its course a bit, could now make a landfall between Dwarka and Veraval on Saurashtra coast.  IANS