Uttar Pradesh Monsoon Deficit Widens Again
Rainfall activity has declined across Uttar Pradesh since Saturday. As a result, the state’s monsoon deficit has started widening once more. For the first time since the monsoon arrived on June 30, the deficit rose by one percentage point to 17% on Sunday, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Experts expect the monsoon current to weaken further in the coming days. This change may increase the rainfall shortfall and push temperatures higher.
In the 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday morning, 40 out of 75 districts received no rain. The state recorded an average of 7.5 mm of rainfall. East UP received 11.7 mm, while West UP got only 1.4 mm.
Bansgaon in Gorakhpur saw the highest rainfall at 168 mm. Other areas with heavy rain included Mahsi in Bahraich (129 mm), Tanda in Ambedkar Nagar (125 mm), and several districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Since June 1, Uttar Pradesh has received 158.8 mm of rain against a normal of 190.9 mm. West UP enjoys a 16% surplus, but East UP still faces a significant 35% deficit.
Six districts in West UP fall under the ‘large excess’ category. Another eight districts recorded ‘excess’ rainfall. Twenty-three districts received normal rainfall. However, many other districts continue to experience shortages.
Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, explained the situation. A depression over the Bay of Bengal weakened after reaching Uttar Pradesh. Light to moderate rain with isolated heavy spells will likely continue in eastern parts of the state for the next three to four days.
In Lucknow, the maximum temperature reached 35.5°C and the minimum was 27.8°C. The city has recorded a 42% rainfall deficit so far this season. Forecasters predict a partly cloudy sky turning mainly clear, with temperatures around 36°C maximum and 26°C minimum.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts rain or thundershowers at a few places in East UP and isolated places in West UP. Heavy rain is possible in some northeastern areas.
Although rainfall decreased recently, the monsoon brought vigorous activity earlier this week. Widespread showers provided relief and helped narrow the overall deficit. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.