Latest news with #IMDPune
Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Maha expected to receive below-normal rainfall in August with possible rebound in September
PUNE: According to the rainfall outlook for the second half of the 2025 southwest monsoon (August-September) released on Thursday by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Maharashtra is expected to receive below-normal rainfall in August, with a possible rebound in September. Maharashtra is expected to receive below-normal rainfall in August, with a possible rebound in September, according to IMD data. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) August in the state is likely to remain relatively dry with below-normal rainfall though there may be isolated heavy showers on a few days. Pune district, too, is expected to see a shortfall in rainfall for the month. However, September could reverse this trend, with above-normal rainfall expected, according to the colour-coded probability forecast maps provided by the IMD. O P Shreejit, senior scientist at IMD Pune, said, 'Maharashtra is likely to experience deficient rainfall in August, but it may be compensated in September. There will still be several instances of good rainfall activity in isolated pockets during August.' As per the IMD's long-range forecast titled 'Outlook for Rainfall during Second Half of the Southwest Monsoon Season (August-September) and Monthly Rainfall and Temperature', India as a whole is likely to witness above-normal rainfall from August to September but the distribution will vary across regions. The forecast highlights that while most parts of the country are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, some areas including parts of northeast India, the eastern region, central India, and southwestern peninsular India, may face below-normal rainfall. The forecast further notes that neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are currently prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Climate models, including the Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS), indicate that these neutral ENSO conditions will persist through the remainder of the monsoon season. Additionally, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are being observed, with projections suggesting a transition to weak negative IOD conditions by the end of the monsoon. This shift, the IMD notes, could contribute positively to monsoon rainfall patterns across India in September. Decrease in extremely heavy rainfall events in July The IMD data suggests that the frequency of extremely heavy rainfall events in July 2025 was the lowest in the past five years in India, indicating a relative decline in intense rainfall activity during the month. The number of very heavy rainfall events (624) in 2025 also reduced significantly compared to 2023 and 2024. The map indicates widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across many parts of the country, especially the west coast including Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. Other areas include central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh); northern states (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh); and parts of northeast India.
News18
06-07-2025
- Climate
- News18
Weather Update: Red Alerts For Mandi, Pune; Delhi, Bengaluru Brace For More Rain
Last Updated: Weather Update: The IMD has predicted moderate rain and thunderstorms across the national capital on Sunday. Red alert is in place for Pune. Several Indian states are receiving rainfall, including parts of North and Central India. The downpour has affected daily life, causing waterlogging and traffic disruptions, with Himachal Pradesh being one of the worst-hit states. Himachal Pradesh Weather Update: Roads Blocked, Red Alert In Place Nearly 250 roads, including 176 in Mandi district, are blocked due to continuous rainfall. The weather department has issued a red alert for Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi, and an orange alert for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu. The IMD has also warned of low to moderate flash flood risk in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur over the next 24 hours. Delhi, Punjab Likely To Receive More Rain The IMD has predicted moderate rain and thunderstorms across the national capital on Sunday. The sky will remain generally cloudy. 'Rainfall activity has started across the National Capital Region in a scattered manner, but activity will increase from Saturday and is expected to peak between July 6–8 as the monsoon axis remains close to the Capital," said Ashwary Tiwari, who runs the IndiaMetSky handle on X. A red alert is also in place for Punjab, and an orange alert has been issued for Haryana and Chandigarh. Places in Haryana, including Yamuna Nagar, Ambala, Panchkula, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Kaithal, are likely to receive heavy rain. 'Very heavy rain (120 mm or more) is likely at isolated places on July 6 and 7 in parts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, and Rupnagar districts," the IMD said. A red alert is in place for Pune, while an orange alert has been issued for Mumbai, Palghar, and Raigad. 'The model forecast suggests that Pune city will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainfall until July 11. However, the ghat areas are likely to witness heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on July 6 and 7," said S.D. Sanap, senior meteorologist at IMD Pune. Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued a yellow alert for Mumbai till Monday. Rainfall intensity is expected to reduce from July 8. Bengaluru Weather: IMD Predicts Rain The IMD has predicted a wet and stormy day ahead, with thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall expected during the afternoon, evening, and night. 'During afternoon – Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall. During evening – Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall. During night – Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall," the IMD said. Jharkhand Weather: Orange Alert Issued The IMD has issued an orange alert for parts of Jharkhand. Heavy rain is expected to continue until Monday morning. Rajasthan Weather: IMD Predicts More Downpour According to IMD predictions, moderate to heavy rain is likely in parts of Bharatpur, Jaipur, and Shekhawati over the next 2–3 days.
NDTV
30-06-2025
- Climate
- NDTV
Explained: What Is Cloud Seeding, Why Is Delhi Spending Over Rs 3 Crore On It
New Delhi: Delhi is set to launch its first-ever cloud seeding trial from July 4 to 11 to combat its persistent air pollution through artificial rain. Announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Rs 3.21 crore project will deploy modified Cessna aircraft to disperse a scientifically formulated mix of silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt into moisture-laden clouds over northwest and outer Delhi, with the aim of triggering rainfall and cleansing the air. Coordinated by IIT Kanpur and IMD Pune, the operation is a historic first for the capital and will cover 100 sq km in each of the five 90-minute sorties. What Is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding is used to make it rain or snow by adding special substances such as silver iodide or salt to clouds. It can be done using airplanes, rockets, or machines on the ground. Cloud seeding is used in many countries (China, US, UAE) to help with droughts, increase snowfall, reduce hail, clear fog, or improve air quality. It usually works only when there are already clouds in the sky and can increase rainfall by about 5-15 per cent. How Cloud Seeding Works Cloud seeding works by adding certain substances into clouds to encourage the formation of raindrops or snowflakes. These substances, like silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice, or salt, act as "nuclei" that attract water vapour. When water vapour gathers around these particles, it condenses into larger droplets or ice crystals. Once these droplets or crystals become heavy enough, they fall to the ground as rain or snow. There are two main types of cloud seeding: cold cloud seeding, where silver iodide helps ice crystals form in supercooled clouds (below 0 degrees Celsius), and warm cloud seeding, where salt particles help small droplets combine into larger raindrops. Is Cloud Seeding Effective? Cloud seeding is generally considered moderately effective, with studies and real-world programmes showing it can increase rainfall or snowfall by about 5-15 per cent under the right conditions. In places like the western United States and Australia, cloud seeding has been used successfully to boost snowpack and water supply, with some projects reporting gains of up to 14 per cent. Results vary depending on the method, weather conditions, and region. For example, in India, a pilot project saw only a 3 per cent increase in rainfall. The technique works only if suitable clouds already exist and is most effective in moisture-rich or supercooled cloud systems.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
What is cloud seeding?: Delhi to see its first-ever artificial rain to combat air pollution in July - all you need to know
NEW DELHI: In a innovative step to tackle Delhi's choking air pollution, the national capital is set to witness artificial rain for the first time. The cloud seeding operation, aimed at clearing the toxic air, was announced by environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. If weather conditions permit, the rain-making experiment will take place between July 4 and 11, marking a significant shift in how the city addresses its environmental crisis. Sirsa said that IIT Kanpur has submitted the flight plan for the operation to IMD Pune for technical coordination. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "Conditions are not suitable for cloud seeding until July 3, but a flight window has been proposed between July 4 and 11," Sirsa said. Additionally, a proposal has been sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking an alternative time window in case of unfavorable weather during the proposed dates, ensuring the trial can still take place at a later stage. "This initiative marks a historic step in urban pollution control and is being carried out for the first time by the Environment Department under chief minister Rekha Gupta's leadership," Sirsa said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA Siemens Energy Saiba Mais Undo "Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air," he emphasised, asserting that it's the most basic right of every resident, and the government is exploring every possible solution to achieve it. "That's why we're taking this bold step of artificial rain. We are hopeful it will bring meaningful change," he added. What is cloud seeding and How is IIT-Kanpur involved in this project? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to stimulate artificial rainfall. It works by dispersing specific chemicals into moisture-laden clouds, encouraging the formation of water droplets heavy enough to fall as rain. Commonly used agents include silver iodide (AgI), iodised salt, and rock salt, which help accelerate droplet formation by acting as condensation nuclei. The project, titled "Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation," is being spearheaded by IIT Kanpur. Here's how the institute is contributing: Formulation development: IIT Kanpur developed a special seeding formulation using silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt designed to catalyse rainfall in clouds rich with moisture. Aircraft operations: The experiment will use modified Cessna aircraft equipped with flare-based systems to disperse the seeding mixture. Each aircraft sortie will last approximately 90 minutes, covering 100 sq km of airspace, particularly over northwest and outer Delhi. Execution of trials: IIT Kanpur scientists will carry out at least five sorties in low-security air zones. They had previously tested this technique using a mist-sprinkler system aboard their own aircraft. Ideal cloud type: The most suitable cloud type for seeding is the nimbostratus, which typically forms between 500 to 6,000 meters above ground. These clouds offer ideal conditions for artificial rain. Success rate: Based on global studies and IIT Kanpur's past trials, the expected success rate of inducing rain via cloud seeding is around 60–70%. The project aims to reduce pollution levels in Delhi by increasing rainfall during a window of favourable weather between July 4 and 11, 2025.
NDTV
28-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Delhi To See Its First-Ever Artificial Rain To Combat Air Pollution In July
New Delhi: In a first for the national capital, Delhi is set to witness artificial rain aimed at reducing air pollution, with cloud seeding scheduled between July 4 and 11, subject to weather conditions, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Saturday. The flight plan for the seeding operation has been submitted by IIT Kanpur to IMD Pune for technical coordination, Sirsa told PTI. "Conditions are not suitable for cloud seeding until July 3, but a flight window has been proposed between July 4 and 11," Sirsa said. He added that a proposal has also been sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), requesting an alternative window in case the weather remains unfavourable during the scheduled period so that the trial can be conducted at a later date. "This initiative marks a historic step in urban pollution control and is being carried out for the first time by the Environment Department under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's leadership," Sirsa said. "Our aim is to give Delhiites clean air," he emphasised, asserting that it's the most basic right of every resident, and the government is exploring every possible solution to achieve it. "That's why we're taking this bold step of artificial rain. We are hopeful it will bring meaningful change," he added. In response to the accusations from AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday, who claimed that the BJP and the Centre hindered the city's pollution-control efforts and mocked the proposal for artificial rain during peak winter pollution, Sirsa clarified, "We were the ones who signed the MoU first, made all the payments to IIT Kanpur, and applied for the necessary approvals because we want to take real action." "They didn't do anything except talk about artificial rain. We, on the other hand, have worked sincerely. That's why, within just four months of forming the government, we are at the stage of finalising the date for Delhi's first artificial rain," he added. The project, titled 'Technology Demonstration and Evaluation of Cloud Seeding as an Alternative for Delhi NCR Pollution Mitigation,' will involve five aircraft sorties over low-security air zones in northwest and outer Delhi. Each sortie, lasting around 90 minutes, will cover approximately 100 square kilometres, dispersing a scientifically formulated seeding mixture using flare-based systems on modified Cessna aircraft. The formulation, developed by IIT Kanpur, includes silver iodide nanoparticles, iodised salt, and rock salt, designed to catalyse artificial rain by accelerating droplet formation in moisture-rich clouds.
