The country is expected to have a wet summer this year. According to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), there will be slightly above normal rainfall this monsoon season. The centre is advising the public to be cautious during the coming months of June, July, August and September.
The NCHM presented their findings to officials from various stakeholders during the 8th National Climate Outlook Forum workshop at Punakha. According to the centre, normal rainfall and temperature have been determined based on data from 1996 to 2021.
The NCHM has predicted that rainfall could be slightly higher than the average rainfall of around 1,276 millimetres during the four months.
“The Weather forecast report shows that rainfall will be slightly above normal during the monsoon in June, July, August and September,” said Sonam Tashi, the Weather Forecaster at the NCHM. “So, the chances of landslides, flash floods and road slides will be high at this time.”
Mosquito problems are also likely to increase especially in the southern regions due to the increase in temperature.
“The temperature will also increase slightly above normal in June, July, August and September. So, there will be some chances of triggering pest issues and drying up water if the temperature increases comparatively,” said Sonam Tashi.
Meanwhile, the Pangrizampa College of Astrology recommends performing kurim to minimize the risks.
“Bhutanese astrology also predicts that rainfall will be slightly high this year. However, if we perform ‘Kurims’ and other religious activities, we may be able to avoid disasters,” said Sonam Rinchen, the Vice Principal of the Pangrizampa College of Astrology in Thimphu.
The centre prepared the forecast with inputs from global and regional prediction centres and national climate data.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
