New Delhi: Monsoon rains swing from 10% deficit to surplus in 8 days

New Delhi: The bountiful rains in many parts of India in the first eight days of July have bridged the rainfall deficit for the entire country, according to the India Meteorological Department. The cumulative rainfall in the monsoon season has reached 243.2 mm, which is 2% above the normal of 239.1 mm.

However, there are large-scale regional variations in rainfall. While the eastern and northeastern region has recorded a deficiency of 17% (375.3 mm against a normal of 454 mm), north India has witnessed 59% excess rainfall (199.7 mm against a normal of 125.5%), the latest IMD data showed. Central India, where many farmers rely on monsoon rains, has recorded 264.9 mm rainfall against a normal of 255.1 mm, an excess of 4%. The rainfall deficiency in south India has reduced from 45% to 23%.

At the end of June, the cumulative rainfall for the entire country was 148.6 mm, which was 10% below the normal precipitation. However, the recent rains have significantly improved the situation.

The IMD had earlier predicted normal rainfall in July, ranging from 94 to 106% of the long-period average. However, below-normal precipitation is expected in many areas of northwest, northeast and southeast peninsular India. The incessant rains over northwest India since Saturday have set all-time records at many places.

While Delhi recorded 153 mm rainfall in a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, the highest in a single day in July since 1982, Chandigarh and Ambala reported record rainfall of 322.2 mm and 224.1 mm respectively.