Marathwada develops 13% monsoon deficiency in Sept

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: After receiving surplus rainfall in early September, Marathwada has developed an average 13% monsoon deficiency during the ongoing fourth month of the rainy season. Barring Aurangabad, Nanded and Jalna districts, remaining all five districts have developed shortfall in rain. After spells of light to moderate rainfall recorded during the second week of September, the region has so far not witnessed noticeable showers, leading to a rainfall deficit. Marathwada, comprising eight districts, has received 82 mm rainfall in September so far as against the expected 100 mm showers, resulting in a 13% shortfall of rain. The weak run of the monsoon during September has led to an overall rainfall deficiency during the current rainy season to 24%. Since June 1, the region has registered 465 mm rainfall as against the expected 613 mm showers. Marathwada had recorded a surplus of 117% showers during the corresponding period last year. K K Dakhore, an agricultural meteorologist with Parbhani-based Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, said there is a possibility of light rainfall in the region for the next at least 72 hours. “The rainfall activity observed during the first half of September has given a new lease of life to Kharif crops. The chances of light rain in days to come may prevent stress getting developing in crops even in the absence of major showers,” he said. Sominath Shirane, president of the action committee of Satara-Deolai residents, said bore-wells from many fringe areas of the city have not revived fully. “We were hoping for a strong comeback of monsoon during September which has not taken place so far. The weak rainfall activity currently will reflect in depleted groundwater level and in turn increased dependency on water tankers,” he said. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in the city was hovering below the normal range, offering cool weather conditions. At 19 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature was below normal by three units. The city registered a maximum of 31.4 degrees Celsius temperature, which was above the normal range by one unit.

Mumbai has already got 75% of September rainfall

Mumbai has already received nearly 75% of its total monthly rainfall, with more expected in the coming weeks. The city has a yellow alert in place until September 18, indicating that rainy conditions may continue. Last month, Mumbai failed to meet its monthly rainfall target. Thane and Palghar have an orange alert in place for heavy rains. The alerts are due to a low-pressure area over Madhya Pradesh. Water reserves in Mumbai's lakes are currently at 97% capacity.

Scattered showers today, but rainfall will intensify

Showers of varying intensity are expected to continue in Bhopal and other parts of Madhya Pradesh due to multiple weather systems. A well-marked low-pressure area over Odisha will impact the state in the next few days. On Thursday, Bhopal recorded a day temperature of 27.3 degrees Celsius and a night temperature of 22.9 degrees Celsius. Several districts in the state, including Anuppur, Shahdol, and Raisen, have been issued warnings for extremely heavy rainfall.

Moderate rainfall in Old Mysuru region

The water level in the KRS dam in Mysuru has fallen below 97ft, but the region received moderate rainfall on Sunday. Mysuru city experienced sudden downpour, causing disruptions to the Ganesha festival shopping. The water level in the dam reached 96.9ft with an inflow of 2,988 cusecs and outflow of 4,732 cusecs. Moderate rainfall was also reported in other districts like Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru. The forecast predicts light to moderate rain in Kodagu, and scattered light to moderate rain in Hassan, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru districts until Monday morning.