India, April 1 -- Day temperatures this summer (April-June) will likely be below normal, or normal across most parts of India, the India Meteorological Department said in its updated forecast on Tuesday. It warned that many parts of the country could also see intense thunderstorms in April.

While the milder weather should provide some respite to customers, and also lower power demand in the midst of an energy crisis brought about by the war in West Asia, a wet April could damage standing ready-for-harvest crops, some of which have already been impacted by western disturbances in the second half of March.

In what could further impact the farm sector, the agency predicted an 80% likelihood of an El Nino developing in the second half on mo...