This was the first time in a decade that this year’s monsoon arrived in the state two days in advance. Last year, it arrived on June 19; and in 2022, it landed on June 13.
Andhra Pradesh receives at least over 70 per cent of its annual rainfall during the June-September period. The rainfall during these months replenishes the reservoir stocks and groundwater reserves, which is vital for rain-fed kharif cultivation.
The state recorded a total of 454.6mm rainfall between June 1 and Sept 30 in 2023 (the southwest monsoon period), which was 13 per cent deficient than the normal of 521.6mm. In 2022, the state recorded a total of 575.5mm rainfall (over 10 per cent more than the normal of 521.6 mm).
S Karuna Sagar, scientist at IMD- Amaravati, said the monsoon arrived in Rayalaseema and south coastal AP two days earlier than the date IMD forecast. Parts of Anantapur, Chittoor and Nellore districts experienced light to moderate rain on Sunday.
The conditions continue to be favourable for further advancement of monsoon into some more parts of the state. It may take five to seven days for the monsoon to spread to the entire state. The state most might likely experience above-normal monsoon rains in this season, he added.
The onset of La Nina by August-Sept typically brings plentiful rainfall during the monsoon season and thereafter too. The development of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is anticipated, which can enhance rainfall in Southern India, he said.
June and July are the most crucial monsoon months for agriculture as a majority of the Kharif crop sowing occurs during this time. The weatherman said many parts of the state might receive good rainfall in August and September.
