South West Khasi Hills only district with surplus rainfall
Shillong, Aug 2: Known as world’s one of the wettest places, Meghalaya is witnessing an abnormally dry monsoon this year.
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the state has recorded 58% rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 31.
Meghalaya received 681.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 1,626.2 mm, placing the state in the ‘Deficient’ rainfall category.
The situation is even more alarming for July alone. The state received just 3.4 mm of rain against the normal 20.1 mm, a massive 83% shortfall, classified as ‘Large Deficient’.
The deficit is widespread across the state, with 10 of Meghalaya’s 11 districts receiving below-normal seasonal rainfall.
With 78% deficit rainfall, West Jaintia Hills has turned out to witness the driest monsoon while Ri-Bhoi fared comparatively better with 46% deficit.
South West Khasi Hills emerged as the lone exception, recording 1,917.8 mm of rainfall against a normal 1,049.5 mm—an 83% surplus, placing it in the ‘Large Excess’ category.
The figures underline the highly uneven distribution of rainfall across Meghalaya this monsoon.
While parts of the state have experienced localised heavy showers, the overall seasonal rainfall has remained significantly below normal, raising concerns over water availability, agriculture and reservoir levels if the deficit persists in the coming weeks.
The IMD, however, has forecast normal to above-normal rainfall over Northeast India during August, offering hope that the rainfall deficit may narrow during the remaining monsoon period.
