Monsoon rainfall in Sikkim 17% above normal till June 30; IMD issues 20 orange alerts this season

PANKAJ DHUNGEL

GANGTOK,: Sikkim has recorded 514.8 mm of monsoon rainfall up to June 30, which is 17% above the long-term average for the period, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Providing an overview of the ongoing monsoon season, IMD’s Gangtok Meteorological Centre head Debapriya Roy said, “Up to June 30, Sikkim has received 514.8 mm of rainfall, which is 17% more than the long-term average for this period. During the same period last year, the state had recorded a rainfall deficiency of about 35%.”

Roy said the recent spells of rain are not being driven by a particularly strong monsoon current but are largely the result of localized thunderstorm activity.

“This year, an equatorial wave period is going on and the monsoon is not that strong. Most of the rainfall over Sikkim is occurring due to thunderstorm activities that develop during the afternoon and evening. During the daytime, strong sunshine causes temperatures to rise, and later in the day thunderstorms develop, resulting in rainfall,” Roy explained.

On the distribution of rainfall, Roy said the season has remained within the normal range despite intense localized events.

“For the season as a whole, we expect rainfall to remain within the normal range, around 95% to 104% of the long-term average. However, we are witnessing very heavy rainfall over specific locations on certain days,” Roy said.

Highlighting the highest single-day rainfall recorded this season, Roy said, “The maximum rainfall was recorded in Mangan district on June 28, when Mangan township received 147.3 mm of rainfall.”

The IMD has also significantly increased the number of weather warnings issued this year.

“Till today, we have issued 20 orange alerts in Sikkim. During the same period last year, only six orange alerts had to be issued,” Roy said.

On coordination with disaster management authorities, Roy said the Meteorological Centre remains in constant communication with the State government.

“We are continuously coordinating with the State government. All our forecasts are shared regularly, and whenever heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, we provide impact-based forecasts along with the precautions and actions that may be required,” Roy said.

Appealing to residents and tourists to stay updated with official forecasts, Roy said, “We issue city forecasts, district forecasts, impact-based forecasts and tourism forecasts. All these are available through our WhatsApp channels, social media platforms, Facebook and our official website. I request residents and tourists to regularly check these official forecasts, especially during periods of thunderstorm and heavy rainfall.”