Guwahati: As political parties prepare for a hectic campaign trail, the meteorology department predicted that the ongoing pre-monsoon season, which lashed the state with thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas since last week, could worsen in the coming days.While the latest forecasts did not indicate a flood, any early flooding could prove devastating for both parties and voters.In the last 24 hours, light to moderate rain, along with isolated very heavy showers, was recorded across Assam. On the day the Election Commission of India announced the polls, Guwahati and its surrounding areas were battered by incessant rain for hours since morning. With rainfall and thunderstorm activity expected to intensify in the latter half of March and through April, political parties will have little choice but to continue campaigning despite adverse weather conditions.“Climatologically, this is a season of thunderstorms and rainfall in Assam. There will be no exception for March and April this time as well,” a senior scientist of IMD said.The IMD issued a warning for rain and thundershowers over the next few days. “Since thunderstorm activities have started, it will continue,” the official said. However, with Assam’s election scheduled for April 9, Met officials said there could be slight relief from severe weather conditions on polling day.“Climatologically, thunderstorm activities reach peak in the second fortnight of April,” he added.According to the forecast issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre of the IMD, Assam is likely to experience rain and thunderstorms over the next 4 days.The RMC warned that thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by heavy rain are very likely at isolated places across Assam over the next couple of days.Thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds reaching up to 30-40 kmph are also very likely at isolated places over Assam on Monday and Tuesday.
