A delayed monsoon has left Jabalpur reeling under intense heat and humidity, with the city receiving only 42.2 mm of rainfall so far in June, the lowest for the month in the past several years. Scorching heat and severe humidity created unbearable inconvenience for residents, who have been eagerly waiting for widespread rainfall. However, the weather department has forecast widespread showers across the region over the next two to three days. Although the monsoon reached MP, the city witnessed only light showers and drizzle, providing little relief from the oppressive weather. Weather experts said strong winds prevented monsoon clouds from remaining over Jabalpur long enough to produce significant rainfall. On Saturday, after scorching heat and humidity the weather changed dramatically after 4 pm as thick black clouds hovered over the city.

 

Strong winds swept through several areas, followed by moderate showers that brought down the temperature and made the atmosphere pleasant. The rainfall offered much needed respite from the prolonged spell of heat and humidity. Weather Department officials said conditions are now becoming favourable for active monsoon rains. From June 28 onwards, Jabalpur and other districts of the Mahakoshal region are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and wind speeds of up to 40-50 kmph at isolated places.

 

The Weather Department credited the expected change in weather to the combined influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over parts of Rajasthan, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, along with a trough extending from the Arabian Sea through Maharashtra to Kerala. These weather systems are expected to strengthen monsoon activity across central India. Meteorological data shows that Jabalpur has received just 42.2 mm of rainfall this June, compared to 141.1 mm recorded up to June 27 last year, highlighting a sharp decline in seasonal rainfall. The total is also lower than the 62.2 mm recorded during June 2019, making this driest June in a decade. Residents are now hopeful that expected spell of rain will finally mark onset of an active monsoon and bring lasting relief from the sweltering conditions.