July is a rainy month for the four major metropolitan areas of India, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. This weekend, all the four major metro cities of India will witness Monsoon rains simultaneously.
The rain shadow region of Chennai receives about 100 mm of rainfall while Delhi manages double of that and records about 200 mm of rainfall. Kolkata receives about 400 mm and Mumbai 800 mm. So far in July, all the metro cities have received below normal Monsoon rains, barring Delhi. Mumbai is yet to receive the Monsoon-like Mumbai rains this month.
Mumbai had received very good showers in June and exceeded the monthly normal by a big margin. Chennai has hardly seen any rainfall in July. Kolkata has not even managed to receive half the monthly mean rainfall. Nevertheless, Delhiites have a lot to cheer as the city has received 130.7 mm of rainfall so far, against the monthly normal of 187.3 mm (Safdarjung observatory).
As of now, let's take a look at the Monsoon forecast for the four main metropolitan cities in India during this weekend:
Rain in Delhi
Normally, during the four-month-long rainy season the Monsoon trough runs close to Delhi. Over the next 48 hours, the Monsoon trough is likely to shift closer to the foothills of the Himalayas. However, it will still be in proximity to Delhi.
We expect heavy spells of rain in Delhi and NCR on July 16 and 17. Delhi will easily cross the monthly normal rainfall after this spell.
Rain in Kolkata
A rainy weekend likely for Kolkata as well.
The eastern end of the Monsoon trough will move faster than the western end, far away from Kolkata. However, conditions will be favorable for moderate rains on July 16 over Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Rainfall will decrease in West Bengal, including Kolkata, by July 17.
Rain in Mumbai
Mumbai has not had good showers in the longest time as the West Coast trough has been feeble. The trough along the West Coast will remain mild over the weekend as well. Therefore, we can expect passing showers only in Mumbai and its suburbs. Double-digit rains cannot be ruled out but the spells of rain will not be long lasting.
Rain in Chennai
Normally, Chennai receives less rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon season. However, the present situation is conducive for good Monsoon rains in the capital city of Tamil Nadu. As and when the Monsoon trough shifts closer to the foothills of the Himalayas, a trough is formed along the Tamil Nadu coast. The occurrence of a similar weather system at present will bring rain in Chennai by July 16. Gradually, rainfall will increase by Sunday, July 17.
Image Credit: excessweather.it
Please Note: Any information picked from here can be attributed to skymetweather.com
