Pune records large rainfall deficit in second week of August; monsoon likely to strengthen from today, says IMD

Since June 1, Pune has accumulated 648.3 mm of rainfall, slightly below the normal of 657.5 mm. Maharashtra as a whole has also experienced prolonged dry conditions, receiving only 81.3 mm of rain against the expected 150 mm from August 1. Cumulatively, the state has recorded 631 mm of rainfall since June, compared to the normal of 685 mm. Overall, India has received 581 mm of rainfall since the start of the monsoon, which is close to the expected normal amount.

According to IMD, the monsoon is anticipated to gain momentum from Friday in most regions of the state, with Marathwada and Vidharbha likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. A low-pressure system has formed over Bay of Bengal, near northern Andhra Pradesh, contributing to heavy rainfall in the southern state. IMD has noted that this was the first low-pressure system of August. As a result of this weather pattern, some parts of the state would receive extreme rainfall over the next seven days.