Below-normal temperatures offer relief amid the energy crisis, yet farmers brace for crop damage and an El Niño shadow looms over the monsoon
India is in for a paradoxically stormy yet cooler summer, according to the India Meteorological Department’s updated forecast. Day temperatures across most of the country are expected to remain normal to below normal between April and June , a welcome buffer against the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict.
However, IMD Director General M. Mohapatra cautioned that April will bring intense and widespread thunderstorm activity, threatening standing crops already weakened by March’s western disturbances. Rainfall is forecast at 112% of the long period average for April.
The bigger concern lies beyond summer. IMD projects an 80% probability of El Niño conditions developing by August–October, which typically weakens India’s monsoon , raising serious questions about food and water security in the months ahead.
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