Climate Threat Global Challenges

Rainy season delayed in overheated India

The monsoon season, which marks the end of the worst summer heat in India, has been delayed, reports AP. At the same time, the country has suffered a heat wave that has lasted several weeks with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees.

The lack of rain has led to water shortages in several parts of India. In Mumbai, where the monsoon arrived about two weeks later than normal, the authorities have imposed water restrictions. Among other things, no municipal water is being used for swimming pools, and construction is being paused because water is needed to mix concrete.

One of the reasons is the weather phenomenon El Niño, which in combination with climate change is leading to weak, scattered showers rather than a heavy rainy season.

Farmers Can't Sow Until Rain Comes: "We Have to Wait and See"

Many farmers in northern India are anxiously waiting for the rainy season to start. They can't start planting until it starts raining, and because of climate change, the monsoon season has been delayed.

- We are already suffering losses. I think it's worse this year than in previous years, Suresh Kumar, a farmer in the state of Uttar Pradesh, told the AP.

June and July are the most important months for planting. Farmer Kedar Sirohi, who grows wheat and soybeans, says he is praying for good rain.

- I am very worried, but we have no choice but to wait and see.