27.6.20

Monsoon Covers Entire Country: IMD

The southwest monsoon covered the entire country on Friday, completing its journey from Kerala to Kashmir well before the usual date of July 8 with unusually heavy rainfall this season.

Total rainfall across India since June 1 has been 22% above normal, laying a strong foundation for strong harvest and higher rural income. This is expected to boost rural demand for products such as consumer goods, cars, two-wheelers, gold, tractors, cooking oil and fertilisers.

Barring some parts of southern India, onset of rainfall started well before expected dates.

“The rapid development of low pressure areas and cyclonic circulations has helped the monsoon to make quick progress in most parts of the country,” M Mohapatra, director general of the India Meteorological Department said.

Cyclone Amphan accelerated monsoon winds which reached Andaman Islands, the first major milestone in the progress of the monsoon towards the country, five days before the usual date. Although this was expected to slow the onset over mainland India by a few days, the cyclone recharged the monsoon and brought it to Kerala on its normal date of June 1.

Central India has led the charge, with 44% above normal rainfall till June 26. All other subdivisions have shown an above normal monsoon rainfall as well.

Prospects of La Nina, associated with cooling of water in parts of the Pacific, is also expected to form in the latter half of the monsoon season this year. This phenomenon is associated with an above normal rainfall for the Indian subcontinent.

The next two weeks are likely to bring heavy rainfall over eastern, north-eastern, central and southern India. Rainfall over northern India is expected to strengthen after that, as the circulation of the monsoon winds improves, as per the IMD.

Last year, monsoon winds were delayed by up to two weeks over most regions, with rainfall in June ending with a record 33% deficit. This prompted the IMD to revise its normal onset and withdrawal dates for most parts of the country.

No comments: