Guwahati, July 31: The unprecedented rainfall deficit is likely to torment the North East further in August with forecast of below normal rainfall for many parts of the region even as the country overall is expected to receive above normal showers during the period.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the nation’s overall rainfall is likely to be above normal in the second half of the southwest monsoon season while the North East will continue to witness rainfall deficit.
“During the second half of the monsoon season, normal to above normal rainfall is most likely over most parts of the country except many parts of northeast and adjoining areas of east India, some isolated regions of central India, and
Southwestern parts of peninsular India, where below normal rainfall is likely,” stated the IMD report issued on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the rainfall deficit projected for Northeast India and adjoining areas of East India has raised concerns for agriculture and tea plantations heavily dependent on monsoon showers.
Northeast India is already 46% rainfall-deficient. Meghalaya, the ‘Abode of Clouds,’ has the highest 56% rainfall deficit in the country.
The IMD report also indicated that maximum temperatures in the North East are likely to remain above normal during August, while minimum temperatures expected to stay normal to above normal.
At present, neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are prevailing in the equatorial Pacific, and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is expected to turn weakly negative towards the end of the monsoon, both of which could influence rainfall distribution.
The forecast comes amid ongoing concerns in Assam and other northeastern states over erratic rainfall this monsoon, with officials warning of possible stress on crops, tea gardens, and water resources if the deficit persists.
The IMD will issue an updated rainfall forecast for September at the end of August.
