New Delhi: India experienced its warmest August since weather records began in 1901, even as the monsoon delivered significantly less rainfall than normal,
according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The country’s average temperature during August stood at 28.01°C, making it the hottest August in the recorded history of the country. The month also recorded its highest average minimum temperature for August at 24.36°C, compared with the normal of 23.68°C.
India records warmest August since 1901
The unusual warmth came alongside a major rainfall shortfall. India received 213.3 mm of rain during August, which was 16.3% below the normal rainfall for the month. It was also the seventh-lowest August rainfall recorded since 2001.
The IMD said four low-pressure systems developed during the month and remained active for a combined 26 days. However, their impact was not spread evenly across the country. Much of the rainfall was concentrated over the Indo-Gangetic plains, leaving several other regions comparatively dry.
Between June and August, India’s cumulative monsoon rainfall was 13.8% below normal. By August 31, nearly 350 districts, accounting for around 47% of the country, had recorded deficient or very deficient rainfall.
September outlook remains worrying
The rainfall situation could remain challenging in September. The IMD has forecast all-India rainfall to be below normal, with precipitation expected to remain under 91% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
The LPA for September is 167.9 mm, based on rainfall data from 1971 to 2020. Average maximum temperatures are also expected to remain above normal during the month.
South, east face deficits
Southern Peninsular India, covering states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, recorded a cumulative rainfall deficit of 24.2% during the monsoon season so far.
The East and Northeast region recorded an even larger shortfall of 25.7%. Punjab, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, southern West Bengal, Sikkim and Meghalaya were among the areas that also received below-normal rainfall.
El Nino adds concern
IMD Director General of Meteorology Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said strong El Nino conditions are currently prevailing over the equatorial Pacific, with above-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific.
The weather department has linked the moderate to strong El Nino conditions to August’s below-normal rainfall and expects the phenomenon to strengthen further in the coming months.
