Meghalaya Reels Under 55% Deficit Rainfall; IMD Predicts Above-Normal Monsoon

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Despite consistent pre-monsoon rainfall over the past two to three weeks, Meghalaya is currently experiencing a significant 55 percent deficit in rainfall compared to the long-term average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged this shortfall, even as wet conditions continue across the state.

Thangjalal Lhouvum, Head of the Meteorological Centre in Shillong, said, “Pre Monsoon, we have continuous rainfall for the past, two three weeks now, but even then, for the whole of Meghalaya, we’re having a deficit rainfall of around 55 percent deficit compared to long-term normal. The rainfall is likely to continue for the next two weeks.”

The IMD’s first long-range forecast for the year anticipates an above-normal monsoon for most parts of Meghalaya. “An updated long range forecast will be issued on the second week around 15 May, so that will give more inputs and better forecast about the onset of monsoon,” Lhouvum said.

Explaining the methodology behind the forecasts, he added, “This year, monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 105 percent of long-term. So, rainfall for Meghalaya this year is forecasted to be above normal. So we can get this updated forecast in the next long range forecast.”

He also said “According to IMD, monsoon is from June to September, but sometimes it can start early or a little few days late, and it can also continue till first or second week of October depending on the conditions.”

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