The country observes the highest rainfall since 1976

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the country has set a new record after 44 years by receiving 25 per cent more rainfall than the average. However, the IMD expects monsoon to slow down by September this year.

What does the forecast say?

IMD’s forecast so far has been correct regarding the monsoon. The latest IMD report states that the country received 296.2 millimetres of rainfall, while 237.2 millimetres was the average during the month. Hence, the country received 25 per cent more rainfall this month than the proposed average. Back in the year 1976, in the same month, August the country received 28.4 per cent more rainfall than the average, while the highest rainfall in August was in 1926 — between 1901 and 2020. In 1926, 33 per cent more rainfall was recorded than the average. The central part of India received the highest rainfall, which is 57 per cent above than the average, whereas, the east and northeast India received 18 per cent less rainfall than the average. IMD official stated that there will be relatively less rainfall in the month of September but the distribution of rainfall across the country will increase the yield of Kharif season crops. The forecast for October is yet to be released.

About IMD

Formed in the year 1875 the Indian Meteorological Department is the main organization of the government of India which is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology. Having headquarter in Delhi, IMD runs nearly hundreds of observation stations across India and Antarctica region. The agency has regional offices at Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur and Pune.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2020