E-Paper
Weather dept forecasts below normal rainfall in July and August
Notwithstanding the plentiful rainfall in June, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast less than normal precipitation over the next two months and advised the agriculture ministry to keep ready a contingency plan.
Notwithstanding the plentiful rainfall in June, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast less than normal precipitation over the next two months and advised the agriculture ministry to keep ready a contingency plan.
According to Laxman Singh Rathore, director general of the IMD, rainfall could be deficient by 8-10% in July and August respectively.
“June has received a good amount of rainfall. It was also sowing season. But then we should not be complacent and there should be a contingency plan in place as July and August may not have as good rainfall as June.
“There is, however, some respite as the pre-monsoon showers have helped fill up reservoirs to some extent. There was good rainfall in June, which is a crucial month for sowing,” Rathore said.
However, Skymet, a private weather forecasting agency, has predicted “above normal” rainfall (104%) in July, “normal” rainfall (99%) in August and (96%) in September. Anything less than 90% of Long Period Average (LPA) is considered as ‘deficient’ rainfall, 90-96% is ‘below normal’, 96-104% ‘normal’, 104 to 110% is above normal and anything over it is ‘excess’.
The IMD has predicted 88% normal rainfall this year, which is “deficient”. Many parts, especially north-west India, may witness deficient monsoon. However, June received 28% more than normal rainfall.
Read:
Monsoon rains surplus so far, but July-August could be bad
Govt downgrades monsoon forecast to 88%, stokes fears of drought
