Pune: The post-monsoon rainfall between October 1 and December 31 in 2018 was reported to be 44 per cent less than average across the country, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to the IMD, the northwest region received 45 per cent deficient rainfall. The southern peninsula received 36 per cent deficient rain. East and northeast India and central parts of the country reported 51 per cent rainfall deficiency for the post-monsoon rainfall.
In Maharashtra, IMD reported that Vidarbha witnessed 88 per cent post-monsoon rainfall deficiency. Marathwada, the drought-prone region reported 84 per cent rainfall deficiency followed by central Maharashtra with 64 per cent deficiency. Konkan and Goa had 56 per cent rainfall deficiency during this period.
Pune IMD Climate Research and Services Head DS Pai said Maharashtra region remained dry over the past few years.
“In the post-monsoon rainfall, the southern peninsula is expected to receive the northeast monsoon. In the south, there are regions with slight below normal rainfall. However, for Maharashtra, this deficiency is normal,” said Pai.
Speaking about the drought-prone areas in the State, Ramchandra Sable, agro-meteorologist from the city said crops in the State are dependent on the monsoon rainfall.
“The farmers who sowed in August were happy when it rained in October. However, crops in the State are mostly dependent on the monsoon rainfall. Only the rabi crops benefited by unseasonal rainfall,” said Sable.
Till January 3 this year, the IMD reported that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions are prevailing over equatorial Pacific Ocean. The latest Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System (MMCFS) indicates ENSO neutral conditions are likely to continue during the next two weeks.
At present, positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are observed over the Indian Ocean and the latest MMCFS forecast indicates that the present positive IOD conditions are likely to turn into neutral IOD conditions during the next couple of months and neutral IOD conditions are likely to persist.
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