India will record above normal rainfall in August and September: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday forecast that India will record above-normal rainfall in August and September, with a good chance of favourable La Nina conditions developing by the end of August.

The IMD said that rainfall over India in August and September would be 106% of the long-period average of 422.8 mm.

The country has so far recorded 453.8 mm against the normal of 445.8 mm since June 1, a surplus of two percent.

“Normal to above-normal rainfall is predicted in most parts of the country. Below-normal rainfall is expected in parts of the northeast, adjoining East India, Ladakh, Saurashtra and Kutch, and pockets of central and peninsular India,” IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said during an online press conference.

The IMD chief anticipated deficient rainfall in parts of western Himalayan region in August-September.
Rainfall activity is expected to subside across the country after the first week of August, compared with July, the IMD noted.

However, September will likely compensate for any deficits, with above-normal showers largely driven by the La Nina phenomenon, which involves periodic cooling of the Pacific Ocean’s surface temperatures.

Mr. Mohapatra said that central India, which heavily relies on monsoon rainfall for agriculture, has been receiving good rainfall for the third consecutive monsoon season, benefiting agriculture.

The rainfall deficit in Haryana, Punjab, HimachalPradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir ranged from 35% to 45%.