Nagpur: Residents of Nagpur and the rest of Vidarbha are likely to experience a prolonged break in monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting no significant rainfall till at least July 17. The lull, which has already set in after nearly 10 days of widespread showers, is expected to push daytime temperatures up by 2-4°C, leading to hot and humid conditions.While isolated light showers or thunderstorms may occur at a few places, widespread rain is unlikely during the next four to five days, IMD said. Cloud cover is expected to persist, but the absence of substantial rainfall combined with high humidity will make the weather uncomfortable, particularly during the afternoon hours.Maximum temperatures across Nagpur and adjoining districts are likely to climb to around 32-34°C, compared to the relatively cooler conditions witnessed during the active monsoon phase last week.Meteorologists attributed the dry spell to a temporary weakening of the monsoon system over central India. However, they expect the situation to improve from July 18, when monsoon activity is likely to strengthen again, bringing a fresh spell of rain to Nagpur and other parts of Vidarbha.The brief pause is not unusual during the southwest monsoon season and is often followed by a revival in rainfall. Farmers have been advised not to panic, as the expected break is short-lived, and favourable conditions for rainfall are likely to return later this week.
