As of 22:08 GMT, 23 MAR 2008

SOUTH INDIA

SUMMARY- Numerous showers and thunderstorms in central and southern areas the past few days, with locally heavy rainfall occurring in portions of the region, 0.25-4.00+ inches (6-102+ mm), some flooding noted. Temperatures 75 to 103F (24 to 39C).

FORECAST-

TODAY...Showers and thundershowers likely south and eastern areas, 0.10-1.50+ inches (3-38+ mm). Mostly dry northwest. Temperatures 74 to 104F (23 to 40C).

TONIGHT...Showers linger south/east, mostly dry elsewhere overnight. Areas of haze and smoke.

TOMORROW...Lighter showers/thundershowers south and east, mostly dry conditions elsewhere. Temperatures 80 to 105F (27 to 41C).

OUTLOOK...Widely scattered showers in southern areas, drier east. Mostly dry conditions expected elsewhere this period. Temperatures increasingly hot.

INDIA SUNFLOWER - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.

Two crops...November to March and June to September. This crop needs adequate but not excessive rains during the growing season.

CROP IMPACT: Major sunflower areas of Maharashtra have adequate irrigation after above normal Monsoon rainfall in the area. However, the region has been mostly dry since the monsoon ended. Temperatures have again turned hotter, after cooler conditions early in February.

Rainfall has increased through southern India sunflower areas during the past week. This rain will favor the late filling Rabi crop but it may also delay the early harvest of this crop. Source: Meteorlogix, DTN's brand of commercial weather services.