Farmer hoping for monsoon rain.Getty Images/Adrian Pope.
Despite the fact that the monsoon officially arrived in Mumbai over a week ago, sun is streaming through my window as I'm writing this. Unfortunately, Mumbai isn't the only place in India that's not getting any rain.
According to this news report, the monsoon hasn't advanced much along the west coast of India since June 17, and since June 21 along the east coast. What's worse, the possibility of a major revival isn't expected until after July 5. The reason given by the weather bureau is that the temperature of the sea surface in the western Arabian sea is cooler than normal, and systems aren't conducive for the formation of low pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal.
Maharastra is facing a grave water shortage, and it's been announced that Mumbai only has enough water until July 15. If it doesn't rain heavily before then, water cuts will be implemented.
It's a concern that this news report states that rainfall has been deficient in nearly 70% of India so far this monsoon. The only part of the country to get plenty of rainfall is Sikkim and adjoining areas. The monsoon is very unlikely to arrive in Delhi on time (usually the end of June), as it's only reached as far as eastern Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile the city continues to swelter with daily temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
More About the Monsoon in India:
Are you still into travel writing or have you switch job – weather reporting
Travelers want to know the weather!
I get numerous emails asking for monsoon information.