Co Authors: GSB, Shreyas Dhavale, Pradeep John, Dr. Vineet Singh, Gokul

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Monsoon Watch - 2

 🌧️ Vagaries Monsoon Watch – 2

 23rd April

1. Mascarene Highs


Forming speed is slow and inadequate at present.

The pressure gradient is yet to strengthen sufficiently to support robust cross-equatorial flow.

Indicator: 🔴 -ve

2. Seasonal Low & Heat


The seasonal low (~1000 mb) is developing on expected lines for now.

Interior regions have already touched 45°C (17th April), indicating progressive heating.

Indicator: 🟢 Normal

3. Equatorial Winds


With the Mascarene High still weak, the SE winds remain south of the equator and feeble.

Cross-equatorial push is yet to establish, which is crucial for monsoon onset dynamics.

Indcator:  -ve

4. Bay Branch

No organized or strong convective systems seen in the Bay yet.

The Bay branch currently lacks momentum and structure.

Indicator: 🔴 -ve

5. ENSO Status (April 2026)

Current State: ENSO Neutral

Short-term: Neutral conditions likely to continue briefly

Transition: Rapid shift towards El Niño expected (May–July)

Probability: 61–94% chance of El Niño dominating later in 2026

This evolution is not supportive for a strong early monsoon.

Indicator: 🔴 Strong El Niño tendency

🔎 Vagaries Summary

South West Monsoon likely delayed, especially in the Bay branch.

West Coast arrival currently estimated around 1st week of June.

Overall tilt: Slightly negative as of now.

⚠️ These assessments are based on current parameters and may evolve in the next 10 days.

No comments:

Monsoon Watch - 2

 🌧️ Vagaries Monsoon Watch – 2   23rd April 1. Mascarene Highs Forming speed is slow and inadequate at present. The pressure gradient is ye...