India is on track to record its third driest June in the last 100 years, with a nationwide rainfall deficit of 42 per cent as the month draws to a close. The shortfall has raised concerns over the progress of the southwest monsoon and the possible impact of El Nino conditions.
According to available rainfall data cited by The Times of India, the country has received 92.2 mm of rain so far this month against the normal average of 157.7 mm. Even if rainfall improves on the final day of June, the total is expected to remain around 100 mm.
Only two years in the past century have recorded lower rainfall during June 2009, which received 87.5 mm, and 2014, which recorded 92.1 mm, TOI reported.
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Rain deficit visible across all regions
The rainfall shortage has affected every major region of the country. Central India has recorded the largest deficit at 54 per cent, followed by east and northeast India at 41 per cent.
Northwest India has reported a deficit of 30 per cent, while southern states are witnessing a shortfall of 28 per cent. Such widespread deficits across all four meteorological regions are uncommon during the monsoon season, per TOI report.
After making a weak onset over Kerala on June 4, the monsoon has struggled to gather momentum. Daily rainfall across the country has exceeded normal levels on only one day during the entire month.
Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement as people throng hilly areas to get respite from the scorching heat. Representative image/ANI El Nino concerns grow
Weather experts are closely watching the development of El Nino conditions in the Pacific Ocean. According to the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, warming in the equatorial Pacific has brought El Nino close to moderate strength.
The climate phenomenon is expected to strengthen further in the coming months. El Niño is known to influence weather patterns worldwide and often affects the Indian summer monsoon.
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July may bring some relief
Despite the weak June performance, the India Meteorological Department expects rainfall activity to improve in the first week of July. Forecasts indicate better and more evenly distributed rainfall across many parts of the country, especially central India, which has recorded the largest rainfall deficit so far this season.
FAQs:
How much rainfall deficit has India recorded in June?
India has recorded a nationwide rainfall deficit of 42% so far in June.
Why is El Nino being linked to the weak monsoon?
El Nino affects global weather patterns and often weakens the Indian summer monsoon.
