What Caused August’s Excess Monsoon, Despite IMD’s Forecast of Normal Rains in The Month?
In stark contrast to the initial forecast, there has been no break in the monsoon, with continuous rains over most parts of the country. (Representational image: PTI) The meteorological department had forecasted the monthly rainfall to be between 94% and 106% of the long-period average (LPA) – which falls within the normal range. However, it ended nearly 15% above normal After disastrous floods in Gujarat and a ‘rare’ cyclone in the Arabian Sea, August has drawn to a close with ‘above-normal’ rains over the country – much higher than the India Meteorological Department (IMD)’s initial forecast of ‘normal rains’ for the third month of the monsoon season. The weather department had forecasted the monthly rainfall to be between 94% and 106% of the long-period average (LPA) – which falls within the normal range. However, it ended at 15% above normal – with excess rains in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and parts of Madhya Pradesh leading to disastrous floods in some areas. “We had predicted the rain to be up to 106% of LPA, but there …