A fresh spell of rain was witnessed across North India in the latter half of the previous week. Unseasonal rains and hailstorms were experienced over parts of West Rajasthan and Saurashtra & Kutch. The poor and sluggish North-East Monsoon picked up pace in the first half of the week. As stated by Skymet last week, the Northeast Monsoon has been a poor performer in November after causing surplus rains in October. However, in the absence of any further impediments in the form of cyclones and other weather systems, the Northeast Monsoon is likely to strengthen this week onwards.
NORTHEAST MONSOON LIKELY TO INTENSIFY THIS WEEK
Dry weather conditions will continue to prevail in North India till the next Western Disturbance whose arrival is expected on 20th November. This system will largely affect the Northern Hills, with Jammu & Kashmir being the chief beneficiary. The Northern plains, along with Gujarat and Rajasthan will experience dry weather conditions and record slight dips in temperature in the first half of the week.
The Northeast Monsoon is likely to be active this week almost over all its subdivisions. The Monsoon activities will be heavy at places, especially over Tamil Nadu. According to the rainfall data available with Skymet from October 1 - November 17, Chennai has recorded a deficiency of 41%. This deficit is likely to reduce this week in the wake of active Monsoon conditions.
Central and East India will experience dry weather conditions and the temperature will continue to dip in these regions as the week proceeds. In North-East India, weather activity will be confined to Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring upper Assam.
DELHI LIKELY TO BREATHE EASY IN THE COMING DAYS
Delhi pollution reached its peak around November 3rd, when most places recorded AQI of more than 1000. Soon after, moderate North Westerly winds came to the rescue of Delhiites, and by November 5th, there was a significant improvement in air quality.
Since November 11, Delhi air quality has once again plunged to severe-very severe category and some parts have recorded hazardous category of air quality. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon scenario for Delhi in the month of November.
Track Delhi Air Quality Live at https://www.skymetweather.com/air-quality/#/home
The reason of this sudden spike in pollution can be attributed to successive Western Disturbances moving across western Himalayas. Due to this, winds are light and calm. Moreover, owing to cloud cover, sun’s insulation is restricted and air near the ground is cooler than air just above it. This cooler air is trapped near the ground and forms mist and haze. The pollutants from stubble burning and local smoke and dust mix with the mist and haze to form a layer of smog.
Western Disturbance will move away by November 16th and moderate winds from North West will once again blow the pollutants away and Delhi will breathe easy for the next few days.
IMPACT ON CROPS
The sowing of Rabi crops is in progress. Expected light rains in coming week over West Rajasthan and Saurashtra and Kutch will increase soil moisture which will prove beneficial for the sowing process.
Image Credit: NDTV
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