Month of March 2022 goes on record to be the most deficit in the recent past. Pan India rainfall observed deficiency of 71% and northwest India was the largest deficit region with shortfall of 89%. Except East Rajasthan, all other meteorological sub divisions observed scanty rainfall with few of them remaining totally dry. South Peninsula was the best amongst all and registered overall shortfall of 14%. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu witnessed deficiency of 86%, 74% and 43% respectively.
March 2022 rainfall is the 4th lowest since 1901. Under 10mm rainfall was earlier recorded in 1908 (8.3mm), 1909 (6.6mm) and 1999 (8.8mm). Therefore, March 2022 is the lowest in the last 23years. Monthly deficiency of March 2022 had risen to above 82% by 3rd week and recovered later with some good rains over Northeast India, Andaman &Nicobar Islands, Kerala and Karnataka.
Absence of cloud cover and rains resulted above normal temperatures over most parts of the country. Prolonged heat wave conditions, with severe heat in some pockets, prevailed in the 2nd half of the month. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh reeled under soaring mercury. Last week of the month witnessed heat over the eastern parts as well, covering Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Even the mountains of north India, particularly Himachal Pradesh came under attack of moderate heat.
Conditions are looking no different at the beginning of April. Marginal comfort from severe heat can be expected. However, heat wave conditions will continue over most parts of central, western and north India. No significant rainfall is expected for next one week over these parts. Pre Monsoon activity is likely over north and central parts in the 2nd half of the month. Northeast India will remain the sensitive weather pocket with fairly widespread rainfall, lasting for next 10 days.