The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy rainfall for Sikkim, Assam, and West Bengal on June 15, 2024. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are expected in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Coastal areas of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal might experience squally weather. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh faces a heatwave, with Prayagraj recording 46.9°C. Red alerts are issued for Mathura, Agra, and other regions. Heatwave conditions are also anticipated in Haryana, Delhi, and Punjab. Delhi's maximum temperature is predicted to reach 44°C.

The monsoon arrived early in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with Mumbai experiencing heavy rains on Sunday, two days ahead of schedule. Favorable conditions along the coast led to waterlogging and traffic disruptions in several Mumbai areas. Meanwhile, northern India, including Delhi, Punjab, and Jharkhand, continues to endure intense heatwaves. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the monsoon will reach Delhi by June 27, bringing relief from the ongoing heatwave that is expected to last until June 18. Southern India saw an early and surplus rainfall, contrasting with a significant deficit in the northwest.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a sluggish progress of the monsoon since June 11, now extending from Navsari to Islampur. Heatwave conditions persist in northern India with temperatures soaring up to 44.8°C in Delhi, significantly above normal. IMD forecasts further monsoon advancement in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Bengal within 4-5 days, expecting heavy rainfall in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, and Northeast India. Heatwaves are predicted to persist for another 4-5 days in northern regions. Rainfall deficiencies vary across the country, with severe heatwaves expected in several states till mid-June.

In a unique ceremony, a male and female frog were married in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to appease the rain gods and bring relief from the heatwave. The ritual, attended by several people, aimed to please the gods and end the water crisis in various parts of India. A video shared on social media shows the frogs wrapped in traditional cloth, with a priest performing prayers and people singing traditional music. The unusual wedding ceremony is a desperate attempt to seek divine intervention for rain and relief from the scorching heat.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert across 12 states due to intense weather conditions gripping parts of the country. Heavy rainfall is forecasted for states including West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam, while Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand face severe heat waves. The IMD predicts the southwest monsoon's advance into Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and coastal Andhra Pradesh in the coming days. Meanwhile, northern and eastern states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand are bracing for extended heat waves. Delayed monsoon arrival in central and northern regions has exacerbated high temperatures, with some areas experiencing up to 5°C above normal.

The Himachal Pradesh government has retracted its statement on having a surplus of 136 cusecs of water, leaving Delhi's water crisis unresolved. The Supreme Court directed Delhi to approach the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) for water supply. Delhi had sought direction to Haryana to release the surplus water from Himachal Pradesh. The move raises concerns about water management and allocation. The capital's water crisis continues, with no clear solution in sight. The court's decision comes as a setback for Delhi's efforts to secure additional water supply.

Villages in areas supplying water to Mumbai are struggling with severe water scarcity, a crisis mirrored across India. Despite providing water to the financial capital, these villages lack access to clean water themselves. Climate change has exacerbated the issue, causing erratic rainfall and extreme heat. The water infrastructure, which includes reservoirs and pipelines, often bypasses rural villages, forcing them to rely on traditional wells. Groundwater levels are critically low, leaving villagers with a constant struggle to collect water. Experts warn of a terrifying future if basic planning and resource management are not addressed.

The monsoon's advancement is expected to pause for 8-10 days, delaying its arrival in Northwestern India. This hiatus may worsen heat wave conditions in North and Central India, potentially delaying planting of essential crops like oilseeds, pulses, and cereals. Experts warn of extreme temperatures and heat waves in Delhi, UP, and Bihar. However, the monsoon is expected to revive over Eastern India by June 15-16 and become active across the entire region up to East and Central Uttar Pradesh by June 22. This temporary weakening is a normal occurrence, according to meteorologists.

A new study reveals a significant decline in ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), with levels peaking in 2021—five years earlier than expected. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, has been credited with this success, highlighting effective global action against HCFCs found in refrigeration and aerosols. Lead author Luke Western from the University of Bristol attributes the decline to stricter regulations and industry shifts. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, underscores the protocol's role in protecting the ozone layer and combating global warming.

A severe heatwave continues to ravage India, claiming at least 8 lives in Odisha in just 72 hours. The country has seen 60 heat-related deaths since March, but the true toll is likely much higher due to underreporting in rural areas. This heatwave is the longest on record, with temperatures soaring above 50C in some areas. Northern India has been experiencing extreme heat since mid-May, with water shortages exacerbating the crisis. The heat has already claimed the lives of 18 polling officials during the general elections. Authorities are struggling to cope with the disaster, as the country faces its worst heatwave in history.