IMD predicts dry spell and rising heat in Sept.
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted a dry September with below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures. This pattern threatens to stress rain-fed crops and deplete groundwater, raising concerns for the agricultural sector.
Why it matters
Climate-driven agricultural stress poses a significant risk to food security and the livelihoods of rural farming communities.
The current month has opened to mounting anxiety for the agricultural sector as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a concerning pattern of below-normal rainfall coupled with above-normal maximum temperatures across the region. The persistent dry spells threaten to stress standing crops and deplete vital groundwater reserves just as key cultivation cycles reach a critical phase.
Detailing the monthly trajectory, IMD Senior Scientist at Amaravati, Karuna Sagar, noted that the transition into autumn brings little immediate relief for cultivators.
“First week of September is dry, second week of September could be little better with rains and rest of the weeks in the month no hopes on the rainfall. Farmers suffer,” Karuna Sagar said, speaking to The Hindu.
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