The southwest monsoon has finally become active over Jabalpur, bringing light to moderate rainfall across the city for the past two days. The showers have brought a sharp fall in temperature and pleasant weather after weeks of scorching heat and high humidity. According to the weather department, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in Jabalpur and adjoining districts over the next four to five days. The department has also forecast thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph at isolated places. The rains have provided much needed relief to residents, who had been struggling with one of the hottest and driest Junes in recent years. Until a few days ago, the city was reeling under severe heat and oppressive humidity. Several areas had recorded little or no rainfall despite the arrival of the southwest monsoon over the region. The prolonged dry spell had also triggered a serious water crisis. Water levels in major reservoirs and other water bodies had fallen rapidly.

 

The level of the Narmada river had also reduced considerably, exposing silt deposits and sand mounds along several stretches of the riverbanks. Declining water levels had affected water supply in many parts of the city, forcing residents to depend on tanker supply. Weather experts had earlier attributed the delay in widespread rainfall to strong upper level winds, which prevented monsoon clouds from remaining over Jabalpur for long. With atmospheric conditions now turning favourable, the monsoon has become active across the Mahakoshal region. The fresh spell of rain is expected to further improve weather conditions and help recharge reservoirs, rivers and groundwater sources. Farmers have also welcomed the timely rainfall as it is likely to support sowing operations for the kharif season. Residents are now hoping for steady and widespread rain in the coming days to end the recent water shortage and ensure a normal monsoon season.