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This is an archive article published on October 6, 2024

Monsoon 2024 reports highest number of very-heavy and extremely-heavy rainfall events in last 5 years

The ‘end of monsoon report’ recently published by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that there were 2,632 very-heavy rainfall events and 473 extremely-heavy rainfall events in 2024

indian monsoonsThe ‘end of monsoon report’ recently published by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that there were 2,632 very-heavy rainfall events and 473 extremely-heavy rainfall events in 2024.(Express Photo)

The Southwest Monsoon recorded the maximum number of very-heavy and extremely-heavy rainfall events this year in the last five years. The core monsoon area also reported excess rainfall, said weather experts.

The ‘end of monsoon report’ recently published by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that there were 2,632 very-heavy rainfall events and 473 extremely-heavy rainfall events in 2024.

Monsoon Occurrence of extreme events in last five monsoons

In 2023, which was officially a drought year, the country recorded 2,321 very-heavy rainfall events and 421 extremely-heavy rainfall events.

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If recorded rainfall is between 115.6 mm and 204.5 mm in 24 hours, IMD classifies it as very-heavy rainfall. Similarly, more than 204.5 mm of rainfall in 24 hours is defined as extremely-heavy rainfall.

The monsoon period officially starts in the country on June 1 and ends on September 30. But the long tail of the retreating monsoon often stretches beyond September.

Anupam Kashyapi, former head of weather forecasting, IMD, said the rise in the number of extreme events is a combination of various factors. “La Nina, the cold ocean current in the Pacific, was active from August onwards, leading to robust rainfall. Also, every year, the monsoon comes with its inter-annual variability, which, this year, was reflected in the increase in the number of extreme events. However, climate change can also be a reason…” he added.

Partha Sarathi Biwas is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express with 10+ years of experience in reporting on Agriculture, Commodities and Developmental issues. He has been with The Indian Express since 2011 and earlier worked with DNA. Partha's report about Farmers Producer Companies (FPC) as well long pieces on various agricultural issues have been cited by various academic publications including those published by the Government of India. He is often invited as a visiting faculty to various schools of journalism to talk about development journalism and rural reporting. In his spare time Partha trains for marathons and has participated in multiple marathons and half marathons. ... Read More

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