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At 3%, monsoon in Chandigarh becomes surplus for first time this year

Hindustan Times, Chandigarh | ByRajanbir Singh, Chandigarh
Aug 20, 2018 09:59 AM IST

The normal rain in Chandigarh during these four months is 844.2mm. In the past five years, the rains have not reached this figure.

With 615.1mm rain recorded in Chandigarh during the monsoon so far, the deficit for the first time turned into a surplus in Chandigarh this year. Till August 18, the city has recorded 3% monsoon surplus this season.

With dry days expected to be few and light to moderate rainfall likely on most days in August, monsoon is expected to normal this year.(HT File)
With dry days expected to be few and light to moderate rainfall likely on most days in August, monsoon is expected to normal this year.(HT File)

The normal rainfall is calculated by taking the average of the past 30 years. The Indian meteorological department (IMD) includes the months of June, July, August and September in monsoon season.

The normal rain in Chandigarh during these four months is 844.2mm. In the past five years, the rains have not reached this figure.

“Monsoon has fared well till now,” said Shivinder Singh, a scientist at the IMD’s regional centre. “Although it is too early to assess the reason, the crest and trough distribution of the monsoon has favoured the areas that fall on the foothills of the Himalayas.”

Singh said monsoon is expected to continue along the normal lines for the remaining six weeks. In the recent past, a surplus has been observed in individual months numerous times, but overall monsoon has always been in deficit. At 110%, June 2013 witnessed the highest surplus. Over the past five years, surplus has been seen in the month of August only. Last year, it stood at 8%.

Upward trend likely to continue

To reach the normal figure of 844.2mm, 229.1mm more rain is required in the remaining six weeks. Although August records the most rain during monsoon in recent years, September records comparatively lesser rain. Last year, 309.4mm rain was recorded in August while 145.1mm was recorded in September. A similar trend can be seen over the previous years as well.

With dry days expected to be few and light to moderate rainfall (2.5mm to 35.5mm) likely on most days this month, the figure is expected to go up. Local conditions may also lead to heavier spells (over 64.5mm), said the weatherman.

An official said this year different pressure areas have been forming within the city, leading to varied readings at the IMD’s two observatories in Sector 39 and the old airport.

“These pressure differences come up instantly and it is hard to detect the formation, but heavy rainfall is possible if such a situation arises again,” said the official.

 

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