In the first eight days of July, abundant rainfall across various regions in India has not only bridged the rainfall deficit for the entire country but also exceeded the normal monsoon expectations, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cumulative rainfall during the monsoon season has reached 243.2 mm, which is 2% above the normal of 239.1 mm. However, there are significant regional variations in rainfall patterns.
While the eastern and northeastern regions have experienced a deficiency of 17% compared to the normal of 454 mm, north India has witnessed a remarkable 59% excess rainfall with 199.7 mm against a normal of 125.5%. Central India, which heavily relies on monsoonal rains for agriculture, has recorded a surplus of 4% with 264.9 mm rainfall against a normal of 255.1 mm. In south India, the rainfall deficiency has reduced from 45% to 23%. These regional disparities highlight the uneven distribution of monsoon rains across the country. The recent heavy rains have significantly improved the overall monsoon situation in India. At the end of June, the cumulative rainfall for the entire country was 148.6 mm, representing a 10% deficit compared to the normal precipitation. However, the subsequent rainfall has helped bridge this gap.
The IMD had previously predicted normal rainfall in July, ranging from 94 to 106% of the long-period average. However, below-normal precipitation is expected in several areas of northwest, northeast, and southeast peninsular India. Northwest India, including Delhi, has experienced record-breaking rainfall. Delhi received 153 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, marking the highest single-day rainfall in July since 1982. Similarly, Chandigarh and Ambala reported unprecedented rainfall of 322.2 mm and 224.1 mm, respectively.
Several regions in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, coastal Karnataka, and Gujarat have also witnessed heavy to very heavy precipitation.While the recent rainfall has helped alleviate the deficit and brought relief to many parts of the country, there are still areas facing regional variations and deficiencies. The monsoon continues to play a crucial role in agricultural activities and the overall well-being of India, making it vital to closely monitor and manage the distribution of rainfall across different regions.
Overall, the drastic swing from a deficit to surplus rainfall within just eight days showcases the dynamic nature of monsoons in India and emphasizes the importance of accurate forecasting and adaptation strategies to effectively mitigate the impacts of both excessive and deficient rainfall.