32% rain deficit across nation, 77% in northwest

Vibha Sharma

New Delhi, June 15

It’s been more than 15 days since southwest Monsoon arrived over the Indian mainland and its progress report, so far, is not very encouraging. Though the IMD had predicted “above normal rainfall” for the season, raising hopes for agricultural output, seasonal rains as on date (June 15) are 32 per cent deficit.

Northwest India has recorded a rain deficit of 77 per cent with just about 5.8 mm rains/pre-monsoon showers, and that too in hilly regions. The country on the whole has recorded 42.33 mm rains so far against a normal of 136 mm, with majority of contribution coming from East and Northeast, which happens to be 14 per cent in excess in the ongoing June-September season.

Northwest, on the other hand, has received just 5.8 mm rains against a normal of 25.4 mm — a massive shortfall of 77 per cent. Central India is 65 per cent deficit, with just 18.5 mm rains against a normal of 53 mm.