People used scarves and umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun as the temperature remained around 40-42 degrees Celsius in Vijayawada on Friday despite heavy rains last night. | Photo Courtesy: GN Rao
Due to the global phenomenon El Nino, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below normal rainfall in most parts of the country, and state weather experts believe that similar conditions may prevail in most parts of Andhra Pradesh this year.
However, as per the forecast given by the IMD in its report, ‘Long Range Forecast for Southwest Monsoon Seasonal Rainfall during June-September, 2026’, an exception may be seen over some areas of the state, especially the central and northern region, on Friday, May 29.
According to the forecast, while Rayalaseema and the southern part of the state may receive below normal rainfall during the monsoon, there is a 34-45% chance of above normal rainfall in some districts of the central and northern parts of the state. But, weather experts also said that it is too early to say anything.
Senior scientist of IMD, Amravati, S. “There is a slight possibility of above normal to normal rainfall in some areas of the state, but we cannot say yet how it will happen as the forecast is for four months,” Karunasagar said.
Weak El Nino conditions are likely to persist in June, weak to moderate conditions may persist in July-August and moderate to strong conditions may persist in August-September. Generally, the main amount of rainfall in AP occurs in the months of August and September.
IMD also gave temperature and rainfall forecast for June. There is a slight possibility of above normal rainfall in Rayalaseema next month, but the rest of the state may receive below normal rainfall.
IMD said in its report that due to El Nino conditions, the maximum and minimum temperatures and heat wave days in Andhra Pradesh in June are going to be above normal.
IMD-Amravati Director S. But, the heat won’t be as bad as it was in May, Stella said. He said that the temperature will gradually decrease in the coming months.
“However, when there is no rain, there are no clouds in the sky, the temperatures are expected to rise. We may see three-four heat waves in June. The high temperatures will lead to depletion of groundwater levels, which will ultimately affect agricultural activities.”
A drop of 3-4 degrees Celsius above normal can be expected in the maximum temperature. He stressed that proper water management and crop planning is important.
Both the experts said that now it is a wait and see situation as the weather patterns emerge.
published – May 29, 2026 08:21 PM IST