WEATHER: 2021 southwest monsoon season likely to begin in June

COLOMBO (News 1st); Normal to above normal rainfall is most likely during the 2021 southwest monsoon season (June – September) over most parts of South Asia, according to an authoritative seasonal forecast from the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) released on 27th April.

Geographically, above-normal rainfall is most likely over some areas of the North West, along the foothills of Himalayas and North East parts of the region, and many areas of central part of the region. It is most likely to be below normal over many areas over extreme northwest, north East and some areas over north-eastern parts of the region. Maximum temperatures are likely to be below normal over most of the central parts of South Asia, and above normal over northwest and northern areas of northeast of the region. Minimum overnight temperatures are likely to be above normal over most areas of west, northwest, north and north eastern parts of the South Asia, and below normal over east-central and south western areas of the region. Elsewhere, they are likely to be normal. The Southwest Monsoon dominates life in much of South Asia. It accounts for 75-90 per cent of the annual rainfall in most parts of the region (excepting Sri Lanka and southeastern India) and is vital for economies and agriculture.