Monsoon rainfall deficient over Peninsular India

New Delhi, Jul 17 (UNI) The cumulative monsoon rainfall from June 1 to July 15 was six per cent above the long period average (LPA) for the country as a whole, but deficient over South Pennisula and Central India, the Met office said today.

Of the 36 meteorological subdivisions, the rainfall was in excess (at least 20 per cent more than LPA) over 15 subdivisions, normal over seven subdivisions and deficient (at least 20 per cent less than LPA) over 14 subdivisions.

Over the country as a whole, the rainfall during the period was 319.1 mm, 15.5 mm less than last year. It was 285.5 mm over Northwest India (77 per cent more than LPA), 173.5 mm over South Peninsula (34 per cent less than LPA), 313.6 mm over Central India (3 per cent less than LPA), and 574.8 mm over North East India (1 per cent more than LPA).

During the past one week, the rainfall was deficient or scanty over Peninsular India, while good rainfall activity continued over northeastern states and northern plains.

''It was mainly due to shifting of monsoon trough towards the foothills of the Himalayas,'' an Earth Sciences Ministry release said.

According to next week's forecast, enhanced rainfall activity with isolated heavy to very heavy falls is likely over northeastern states, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, and Bihar.

Subdued rainfall activity is likely over central, West and Peninsular India, particularly over Andhra Pradesh, interior Karnataka, interior Maharashtra, Gujarat and west Rajasthan.

The rainfall is likely to be deficient over Gujarat region, madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and north interior Karnataka.

UNI YJ RP HT1534