India: India Forecasts Above Normal Southwest Monsoon for 2024

On April 15, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a 31 percent chance of an above normal 2024 southwest monsoon. IMD will issue a end of May forecast for the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), which represents most rainfed agriculture regions in the country and is the critical forecast related to agricultural planning, planting, and production. Extreme temperatures were recorded throughout the country in April, with east India experiencing its hottest April since 1901, while south India recorded its second hottest April. Above normal high temperatures are forecast from May to June in most parts of the country.