The beginning of Monsoon season was very poor for the entire country as the cumulative deficit in June stood at 43%. The regional deficit was even worse with sub-divisions like Gujarat and Saurashtra and Kutch observing a rainfall deficit of 91% and 75% respectively, till mid-July.
However, the third and fourth week of July saw some rain and the deficit in Gujarat came down to 48% by the third week. Saurashtra and Kutch saw the deficit drop to 56%.
By the end of July both the sub-divisions experienced some more good showers due to which the deficit slipped further and stood at 23% in Gujarat by 1st August, while Saurashtra and Kutch became normal at -17% (± 19% considered normal). The deficit maintained till the 10th of August but paucity of rain again pushed up the deficit in Gujarat which now stands at 31%. Saurashtra and Kutch sub-division again became deficit by 21%.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, from 1st June till date the Gujarat sub-division has received 448 mm of rain against the monthly average of 642.6 mm, while Saurashtra and Kutch has received 283.2 mm against the average of 353.8 mm for the same period.
And the scenario does not look to improve in the near future as there isn’t much rain expected in both the sub-divisions.
Picture courtesy: dnaindia.com
