Itanagar, June 14 – After a scorching and unusually dry week, Arunachal Pradesh is expected to receive scattered to widespread rainfall across multiple districts till June 19, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the State Disaster Management Department.
Key Forecast Highlights:
- Significant rainfall activity is likely from June 16 onwards, bringing thunderstorms and lightning risks across several regions.
- Districts like Tawang, Kurung Kumey, West Kameng, Papumpare, Namsai, Changlang, and Longding are forecast to experience frequent and widespread showers.
- Rain revival also expected in areas that had minimal precipitation, including East and West Kameng, Kra Daadi, Kamle, and Pakke Kessang.
- Upper and Lower Subansiri, Siang, and West Siang are also expected to see increased rainfall.
- Eastern and central belts, particularly Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, Lohit, and Anjaw, will witness heightened rain activity from June 17 to 19.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious of thunderstorms and lightning in vulnerable areas.
Rainfall Deficit and Recovery:
- Between June 1 to 11, Arunachal recorded 81.7 mm of rainfall, which is 39% below the long-period average (134.7 mm).
- From June 5 to 11, the state received only 11.2 mm, an 88% shortfall from the normal weekly average of 94.5 mm.
- Rainfall from June 13 to 19 is expected to remain below normal at 53.7 mm.
- Improvement is expected between June 20 and 26, with rainfall forecasted to exceed normal levels, reaching around 130 mm (vs. the usual 106.5 mm).
Temperature Trends:
The dry spell led to abnormally high temperatures:
- On June 12, Itanagar reached 39.7°C, 7.8°C above normal.
- Pasighat recorded 38.6°C, also 7.6°C above average.
These spikes are attributed to:
- Weak monsoon winds
- Dry continental easterly/northeasterly flows
- Clear skies causing high solar radiation
What’s Next:
- Daytime temperatures may continue to stay 2–3°C above normal in many areas for the next 24 hours.
- Hot and humid conditions are likely to prevail, particularly in lowland and plain regions.
- With rainfall setting in, temperatures are expected to return to near-normal levels.
- Minimum temperatures will remain normal to slightly above normal.