IMD: Monsoon Season in India Concludes With 'Normal' Rainfall

NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Saturday that the four-month monsoon season has drawn to a close with India receiving "normal" rainfall, amounting to 820 mm, compared to the long-period average (LPA) of 868.6 mm. The IMD attributed this outcome to various positive factors mitigating the impact of El Nino conditions.

In meteorological terms, rainfall ranging between 94 percent and 106 percent of the long-period average (LPA) is deemed "normal." However, it's important to note that while the cumulative rainfall over the entire country during the monsoon season falls within the normal range, this doesn't guarantee an even distribution of precipitation across all regions and time periods.

The Indian monsoon is subject to inherent fluctuations and variations driven by various natural factors, collectively referred to as natural variability. Nonetheless, scientific research indicates that climate change is introducing increased variability to the monsoon, resulting in more frequent and severe bouts of extreme weather and dry spells.

Director General of IMD, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra revealed that the 2023 monsoon concluded with a cumulative rainfall of 94.4 percent, classifying it as "normal." During a press conference on Saturday, he further elaborated that 73 percent of sub-divisional areas recorded normal levels of precipitation, while 18 percent experienced deficient rainfall.

Breaking down regional statistics, the IMD reported that eastern and northeastern India received 1,115 mm of rainfall, representing an 18 percent deficit compared to the normal of 1,367.3 mm. Northwest India, on the other hand, received 593 mm of rainfall, slightly above the long-period average of 587.6 mm. Central India, where agriculture predominantly relies on monsoon rains, recorded 981.7 mm, closely aligned with the normal of 978 mm. Meanwhile, the southern peninsula experienced an eight percent rainfall deficit.

August 2023 marked the driest month since 1901 and the hottest on record in India, largely attributed to the strengthening of El Nino conditions. However, September brought an excess of rain due to the influence of multiple low-pressure systems and the positive phase of the MJO.

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