July rainfall expected to be below normal, 40% monsoon deficit so far: IMD

The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday forecast below-normal rainfall across the country in July.

This follows a 40% rainfall deficit in June, the Deccan Herald reported.

India is likely to receive less than 94% of its average rainfall for the month, the weather department said. The long period average rainfall for July, based on data from 1971 to 2020, is 280.4 mm.

Below-normal rainfall is expected in most parts of the country. However, some areas in northwestern and northeastern India, east-central India and the eastern peninsular region are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

The IMD said that the first seven to ten days of July are expected to bring good rainfall, but the situation is likely to worsen in the second half of the month, which traditionally accounts for one-third of the rainfall during the southwest monsoon season.

“Below-normal rainfall can pose significant challenges for agriculture, water resources, hydropower generation, ecosystem sustainability, and drinking water availability,” the weather department said. “Such conditions may increase the risk of heat stress, and pressure on available water resources in several regions.”

Maximum temperatures are expected to remain above normal in most parts of the country during July, except a few isolated areas in west-central India where they are likely to be normal to below normal.

Minimum temperatures are also expected...

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