Journalism of Courage
One-third of India in severe rain deficit even as monsoon peters out
India Meteorological Department data shows rainfall during the monsoon season is 13% below normal for this time of the year.
Rainfall activity in July and August largely remained prominent over central India regions, between Odisha and Gujarat. (File Photo)
Nearly 35 per cent of the country’s geographical area remains in a significant rain deficit even as the southwest monsoon approaches its final leg.
The rainfall data maintained by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the country-wide rainfall for the season (since June 1) was 554.2mm — 13 per cent short of expected levels for this time of the year.
Notably, the cumulative rainfall departure from normal has consistently remained negative throughout this season.
That said, rainfall activity over the central region, between Odisha and Gujarat, has remained prominent during the July-August period, in part due to the recurrent development of low pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal and their subsequent landward movement.
“The spatial distribution of rainfall has been largely skewed, especially at district levels,” said O P Sreejith, senior meteorologist at IMD.
About 412 districts across 14 states and Union territories in the south peninsula, northeast, and some parts of eastern and northwest India have recorded a deficit in rain — amounting to the aforementioned 35 per cent.
What is worrying is that even states that receive either extremely high or extremely low rainfall are experiencing below-average season rainfall this year.
Story continues below this ad
For instance, Goa’s normal rainfall till the third week is 2,562mm. However, this season (till August 24), it has recorded only 1,713.2mm — a deficit of 33 per cent.
Similarly, in Kerala, where normal rainfall is 1,671.4mm, only 1,283.3mm of rainfall has been recorded this season — a 23 per cent deficit; and in Punjab (normal rainfall is 338.2mm), 226.9mm — a 33 per cent deficit.
Rajasthan’s normal rainfall is 345mm. The desert state, where the monsoon arrives last and exits first, has received 268.3mm — a 22 per cent deficit.
Recently, Assam faced one of its worst floods, and yet, 19 of the state’s 35 districts report a rain deficit.
Story continues below this ad
In Meghalaya (-58 per cent below normal), the southwest Khasi Hills district has recorded excess rainfall, while all the other 10 districts are either in rainfall deficit or ‘large’ deficit category (rainfall -60 to -99 per cent below normal).
Elsewhere, in Bihar, just three — Khagaria, Lakhisarai and Siwan — of the 35 districts have received normal rainfall. The others are experiencing a rain deficit this season.
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, all the districts, including regions of Yanam and Rayalaseema, remain in a rain deficit. A contrasting picture prevails in the neighbouring Odisha, where all 30 districts have received normal or above rainfall this season.
The prevailing low pressure system over Jharkhand will keep the monsoon active over west Uttar Pradesh, west Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh till August 29, as the IMD has forecast the system to move further north-west in the coming days. Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Gujarat region will experience widespread heavy spells till the end of this month, the IMD has forecast.
States/UTs and rainfall deficit during June-August 24
Story continues below this ad
Meghalaya -58%
Bihar and Manipur -42%
Arunachal Pradesh -40%
Andhra Pradesh -39%
Goa and Punjab -33%
Puducherry -32%
Lakshadweep -27%
Assam -24%
Kerala -23%
Rajasthan and Karnataka -22%
Mizoram -21%
Source : IMD
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog
Advertisement