Monsoon gives Maharastra a reason to cheer

With the entire state recording rainfall in excess of the average from July 9 to 15, the monsoon has finally given a reason to cheer for the
first time since its onset.

As per meteorological norms, if the actual rainfall is higher by 20% or more, then it is considered excess rainfall for the region. If the difference between the actual rainfall and the normal rainfall is plus or minus 19%, then it is considered as normal.

The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) weekly rainfall update, compiled on Friday, revealed that all the four regions in the state, including Marathwada, have received excess rainfall during the week ending July 15.

A comparison of the season's rainfall in the state from June 1 to July 15 showed that Marathwada was the only region in the state which had received deficient rainfall. All other regions namely Vidarbha, madhya Maharashtra and Konkan have got normal rainfall, as per their respective seasonal figures.

During the period July 9 to 15, Marathwada was expected to get 34.3 mm rainfall as per the average, but recorded 50.4 mm rainfall which is 47% more than its average.

Other regions like Vidarbha, madhya Maharashtra and Konkan (which also includes Goa) too followed the same pattern. Rainfall in madhya Maharashtra and the Konkan region was higher by 60 and 62% receptively. Vidarbha has recorded 30% more rainfall, IMD officials said.

According to statistics available with the IMD, Vidarbha normally gets 76.9 mm rainfall during the July 9 to 15 period, but this year it recorded 100.3 mm rainfall. Madhya Maharashtra, which witnesses 54.5 mm rains, has received 87.0 mm, while Konkan (including Goa) that usually records 227.3 mm rainfall, has received 367.7 mm rainfall during the same period this season.

"This is the first time in the season that the entire state has got excess rainfall. A good increase in rainfall was recorded due to favourable weather conditions," said Medha Khole, director (weather forecasting), IMD, while speaking to TOI.

Elaborating on the favourable conditions observed, Khole said the presence of a well-marked low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal resulted in good showers in the state. This system moved towards Maharashtra during the last week, thus increasing the rains.