LUCKNOW: With 28% deficit, Uttar Pradesh received lowest rainfall in prime monsoon months from June 1 till September 30 this year compared to other states across the nation.
Not much is expected in coming days as monsoon currents have started withdrawing and would leave the state by next week.
According to the state Met department, per district average rains in UP from June 1 till September 30 was 606.6 mm, 28% below normal (846.5mm) for the period. The country as a whole has received normal rainfall so far.
This was the eighth successive year when UP recieved below normal rains in monsoon. The rain deficits in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were 14%, 45% and 49%, respectively.
Total 47 districts recorded deficit of 20% or more. In 10 districts, rainfall was 20-29% below normal, in nine 30-39% below normal and in 16 it was 40-49% below normal. A drought-like situation prevails in 12 districts with rains below 50%-50-59% below normal in nine districts and 60% below normal in three.
West UP and Budelkhand districts were mainly hit by poor rainfall. State Met director J P Gupta said monsoon arrived in UP 13 days behind schedule but rainfall was good in July. The August also witnessed moderate rainfall. However, ‘dry September’ led to surge in the deficit rate.
The situation is Lucknow was comparatively better. Total rainfall in the city was 654.1mm, which was 15% below normal (772.5mm). In 2016, 2015 and 2014, city had recorded 21%, 56% and 35% below normal rains, respectively.
“So far, monsoon has withdrawn from some parts of West UP and is expected to retreat from rest of the state by next week,” said Gupta, adding “There can be thunder showers at isolated places but no significant rains are expected as of now.”
