A spell of intense rainfall in September has helped reduce India’s overall monsoon rainfall deficit, with the shortfall narrowing to 12% from 14% at the end of August, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
September rainfall has so far remained 5% below normal at 152.6 mm. However, unusually heavy rain on September 26, when the country recorded 162% above normal rainfall for the day significantly improved the season’s overall rainfall position.
Four meteorological subdivisions recorded more than 1,500% excess rainfall on September 26. West Uttar Pradesh received 3,003% above normal rainfall, followed by east Madhya Pradesh at 1,580%, Chhattisgarh at 1,537% and east Uttar Pradesh at 1,518%.
The heavy spell, however, caused severe damage in parts of Uttar Pradesh. Fifty six people were reported killed in rain and storm related incidents between September 25 and 27, while flooding affected more than 31,000 hectares across 2,415 villages in 15 districts.
Several districts recorded exceptionally high rainfall on September 26. Bahraich received 193.1 mm against a normal 3.9 mm, while Kheri recorded 163.9 mm against 2.7 mm.
The IMD had earlier forecast below-normal rainfall for September but the latest spell has brought the month’s rainfall closer to the normal range. Further heavy rain could potentially narrow the seasonal deficit further as the monsoon season draws to a close.