Visakhapatnam: Deficient rainfall turns worrisome

Visakhapatnam: Vizag received 125.6 mm rainfall till July 11, which is only 32 per cent of the normal average the district receives in this period in the southwest monsoon season. The average rainfall the district gets in the period spanning June 1 to July 11 is 184.4 mm.

As many as 24 mandals in the district have suffered from deficit rainfall this month.

While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted good rains in July after a dry spell in June, the southwest monsoon has remained erratic so far.

The state has received an average of 69 mm rainfall till July 11, which is 12 per cent of the normal during the southwest monsoon season. The state gets normal rainfall of 556 mm in the season from June to September. Northeast monsoon brings about an average of 296 mm rains.

A deficit July monsoon has been a cause of concern for farmers. For India’s sowing cycle — especially for paddy — rainfall in July is crucial. In July, farmers sow paddy crop that needs regular showers.

Almost all crops have seen a drop in area under cultivation. Deficit rains in July have caused six of India’s worst droughts between 1877 and 2005, says an analysis of IMD rainfall data by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune.

According to weathermen, initial weather conditions were already not favourable this year for a good start to the monsoon. What was once responsible for onset of monsoon over Kerala on June 8 became the biggest deterrent in progress as well as the performance of Monsoon-2019.

Except Visakhapatnam, all other districts in AP are deficient of rainfall; deficiency of rainfall in Nellore touches 80 per cent.

IMD says that associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilts south-westwards with height.

While light showers occurred in some parts of the district, heavy rain is expected by July-end. The inadequate is creating a feeling of discomfort.