Monsoon has been poor this season, with the national rainfall deficit recording 43% in June and 22% in July. The condition wasn't any better in August either as the cumulative deficit during the month was 17.3%. The monthly deficit was also at 10% and 9.3% in July and August respectively, showing how poorly the Southwest Monsoon faired during these months.
But September began on a very positive note with large parts of the country observing good rain. The cumulative deficit during the first week of September had slipped to 11%, from 17% at the start of the month. The deficit continued to maintain till the third week, after which it rose to 12% due to decrease in rainfall across the country, barring South and Northeast India.
In the last week of September there has been very minimal rain. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, only 2.5 mm of rain was recorded on the 24th of September against the daily average of 5.3 mm. Similarly, 2.7 mm of rain was observed on the 25th of September against the daily average of 5.3 mm. The following three days (26th, 27th and 28th) of the month also received 3.7 mm, 3 mm and 1.5 mm of rain respectively against the daily average of 5.3 mm, 5.1 mm and 4.4 mm.
Currently the national cumulative deficit stands at 12% and is likely to end up at the same figure, a condition called drought in meteorological terms. Cumulative deficit of 10% and above is termed as drought.
Meanwhile, rainfall in the last leg had been confined to South and Northeast India only. But now it has been reducing in the northeast region, while in South India rainfall is being observed due to the cyclonic circulation in the Comorin and adjoining Lakshadweep region. However, with the tendency of the cyclonic circulation to shift away from the coast, the last days of the month are likely to observe reduced rainfall activity.
Picture courtesy: slate.com
