The monsoon this June has been exceptionally good,with the city receiving 239.5 mm rains as of June 25. This,the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said,was 116.5 per cent in excess of the normal rainfall that the city receives. Last year,Pune had received 51.5 mm rain. The city normally receives 110.6 mm of rain till June 25. Deputy director general (DDG),weather forecasting,Medha Khole,attributed the good rains to the formation of two low pressure zones,rapid advance of the monsoon and formation of the offshore trough. Last year no such low pressure areas were formed,having had significantly affect on the monsoon activities in the country at large, she said. June this year has been exceptionally wet,with the city witnessing 15 rainy days till date,as compared to only 10 such days for the entire month last year. The highest rainfall recorded in the city was on June 16 at 72.7 mm of rains,which is the highest of the season till date. Besides Pune,major parts of the state and the country at large is witnessing above normal rainfall. Konkan has received 83 per cent excess rainfall,central Maharashtra 69 per cent,Marathwada 155 and Vidharbha 129,which are also above normal levels. The country is in the green with 32 per cent excess rains till date,as compared to the 27 per cent deficient rainfall last year. The IMD has predicted that the wet spell should continue for the next 48 hours for Pune with moderate rainfall lashing the city.
