Cherrapunji, situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, has witnessed 492 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, making it highest in a decade. With this, the city has receive a total of 1208.8 mm of rainfall, surpassing monthly average of 1034.8 mm
The city has been receiving continuous heavy showers and have recorded three digit rainfall for the past five consecutive days.
Cherrapunji had recorded 150 mm of rainfall on September 19, 108 mm on September 20, 175 mm on September 21 and 146 mm on September 22. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the city will continue to witness heavy rainfall but with the reduced intensity in the next 48 hours.
Southwest monsoon has been active over the Northeast India since the beginning of September. The region has been witnessing heavy to very heavy rains during the past few days. As per Skymet, there has been a monsoon system lying over the low pressure areas such as West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, which has caused widespread heavy rains over the region during the past few days. Heavy spells are very common during the Southwest monsoon and even during the retreating period. As per Skymet forecast, monsoon might retreat itself from the area in a fortnight and it may commence anytime after October 01.
Cherrapunji holds the status of being the second wettest place on Earth. On an average, Cherrapunji receives 13500 mm of rain annually. Nevertheless, it still holds the record for receiving 985.6 mm of rainfall in 24 hours on September 13, 1974. It also holds the world record of highest rainfall in a calendar month and a year with 9300 mm in July, 1861 and 26,461 mm between 1st August, 1860 and 31st July, 1861. The nearby town of Mawsynram has been credited with being the wettest place in the world.
Weather here remains cool and comfortable throughout the year on account of its contrasting topography, which is also the reason for such heavy rain. Cherrapunji sits on a plateau, with an average elevation of 4560 ft. above the sea level. It is situated at an ideal height, neither too low nor too high, and allows the monsoon air mass to rise from plains to the cliffs.
The months of June and July also receive heavy rain with average of 2512 mm and 3000 mm, respectively. The intensity of rain decreases by October and drastically comes down in November with a meagre average of 74 mm of rain. The winter season receives very less amounts of rain.
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