In the monthly outlook released on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that Andhra Pradesh may witness subdued rainfall activity in October, in line with most of the country.

According to the outlook, except for isolated pockets in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh that have a possibility of receiving normal rainfall, the entire State may see below-normal rainfall, with the probability ranging between 33.5% and 55%.

At the same time, the entire State is very likely to see a warmer October this year, and minimum temperatures are also going to be above normal.

According to the IMD, strong El Niño conditions are currently prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, with sea surface temperatures well above average, especially in the east-central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Forecasts from the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast System (MMCFS) and other major climate models indicate that El Niño will continue to strengthen through the end of the year.

The Southwest Monsoon may withdraw from the country by October 15. The IMD, Amaravati, has not issued any rain forecast for A.P. in the first week of October. However, thunderstorms are likely at isolated places over Rayalaseema, while strong winds, with speeds reaching 30-50 kmph are likely at isolated places across the State.