Punjab is likely to end up with a 39% rainfall deficit this season—the highest in the northern region—as the southwest monsoon begins to retreat with no more rain predicted, according to the India meteorological department (IMD).
“The southwest monsoon has begun retreating from some parts of western Rajasthan. The latest IMD data shows that state recorded 254.2 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 19, compared to the normal average of 417 mm. Favourable conditions are persisting for the further retreat of the southwest monsoon from some additional parts of Rajasthan, as well as from some areas of Punjab and the Saurashtra and Kutch regions over the next 3-4 days,” said the MeT department in a statement issued on Saturday.
The rainfall deficit has widened despite the state recording some rainfall in September. Between September 1 and 19, Punjab received 23.6 mm of rainfall against the normal of 54.9 mm, marking a deficiency of 57%. The September shortfall has added to the seasonal deficit after below-normal rainfall in June and July, when the state received 29.5 mm and 119.3 mm, respectively. In June, rainfall was 46% below the normal precipitation of 54.5 mm, while July recorded a 26% deficit against the monthly normal of 161.4 mm.
With a dry spell expected over the coming days and no significant rainfall in the forecast, the state is likely to see little respite from the seasonal shortfall before the monsoon withdraws.
The IMD predicts that favourable weather conditions will lead to the further retreat of the southwest monsoon from additional parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, and the Saurashtra and Kutch regions over the next three to four days.
