Uneven monsoon: Rain deficits hit nine states, south sees surplus
rainfall distribution during June and July has been uneven, resulting in significant rain deficits ranging from 20-49% in nine states, including Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and Bihar.
Six states, predominantly in the south peninsula, have reported excess rainfall from June 1 to July 20, reported The Times of India.
Jharkhand has faced the highest deficit at 49%, while Tamil Nadu has seen an 83% surplus compared to their normal rainfall levels.
Overall, the country has experienced just over a 1% deficit in cumulative rainfall, with northwest and east & northeast India being the most affected regions.
The central India region has not reported any rainfall deficit, contrasting with the south peninsula, which has recorded 26% more than its normal rainfall so far. Although some good rainfall is expected in the remaining days of the month, the overall situation may not improve significantly.
A possible weak phase of the monsoon is anticipated in early August due to the delay in the formation of La Nina, a climate condition that usually brings good monsoon rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. Rainfall in the deficit zones is expected to improve with the formation of La Nina later in the month or early September.
Despite the uneven rainfall, the kharif (summer sown) crop sowing operations remain largely unaffected. The monsoon core zone areas, which rely on seasonal rains for farming, have received normal rainfall this month, enhancing water storage in the major 150 reservoirs in many states.
