Monsoon may be further delayed in MP

Bhopal, June 28 (UNI) As had happened about two and a half decades back, most of June went by awaiting the South-West Monsoon in Madhya Pradesh and the delay might extend to the first week of July.

The Monsoon usually arrives in this state around June 13. In 1982, denizens had to wait until July 11. Two years later the date was July 1 while the dates in both 1985 and 1992 was June 26 and in 1981 and 2005 was June 24.

''A low-pressure area is forming over the Bay of Bengal and might result in the Monsoon breaking over Madhya Pradesh in a day or two.

From July 1, healthy showers will cover the entire state,'' Regional Meteorological Centre Director D P Dubey told UNI.

Despite the delay, the Monsoon is likely to be normal. Madhya Pradesh's average precipitation is 100 cm. Even in 1982, the figure was 93 cm. Last year, the Monsoon broke on June 24 and it rained 103 cm.

''Monsoonal systems formed between June 1 and 22 but were weak and could not reach this state. The first formed along the Karnataka coast on June 2 but headed for Mumbai and Gujarat. Just some days later another system set course for Bihar,'' said Mr Dubey.

No system formed for a while due to strong westerly winds. Around June 22, a cyclonic circulation formed near Chennai but weakened after reaching Vidarbha and had a minimal impact on this state.

UNI SHD-AC ARB RS2103