Monsoon this year started from yesterday according to the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology’s (NCHM) forecast.

June 5 is usually when the monsoon starts in Bhutan.

Deputy Chief of Weather and Climate Service Division of NCHM, Tayba B Tamang, said: “We are expecting some rain across the country during the weekends.”

The western, central, and northern parts of the country are expected to be partly cloudy from Monday. However, the southern and eastern Bhutan could receive light to moderate rain throughout the coming week.

For meteorological purpose, June, July, August, and September are considered as monsoon. It starts from June and withdraws by mid or end of September.

Around 1,322mm average rainfall during monsoon was recorded by NCHM between 1996 and 2016. Last year, the country received 1,283mm rainfall during monsoon. This year, Bhutan is expected to receive equal to or slightly less rainfall than 1,322mm.

“Cyclone Mora has made the onset of monsoon favourable for the South Asia,” Tayba B Tamang said.

Cyclone Mora formed over the Bay of Bengal on May 28 and 29. The cyclone moved away from the sea and overland on May 30. Cyclone Mora dispersed on the night of May 31.

NCHM predicted the cyclone to move towards Assam. Instead, it moved towards Bangladesh. As it diverted its course, Bhutan experienced minimal impact.

On May 31 at around 5am, all 18 Meteorological stations received rainfall for one to two hours. The highest rainfall of 28.6mm was recorded at Dagana.

Karma Cheki