India Received 120 Percent of January Rainfall Already Till Third Week Due to Western Disturbances, More Rains Likely
The IMD data shows that India has so far received 120% of the rainfall usually recorded till the third week of January. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Manipur, one of the northeastern states have received 1603% of the normal rainfall for the month.
New Delhi, January 20: It has been just 20 days of January 2020 and India has already received 120% of January rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated in its report. The northwestern states as well as the northeastern states have had a wet January. The IMD data shows that India has so far received 120% of the rainfall usually recorded till the third week of January. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Manipur, one of the northeastern states have received 1603% of the normal rainfall for the month.
The report further states that northern states of India including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab and parts of Jammu and Kashmir have received over 300% of the normal precipitation in January 2020. Meanwhile, in the northeast, Tripura has received 670% of the normal rainfall and Mizoram 295%, the report added. This year between January 1 and January 19, half of all the districts monitored by the IMD have had large precipitation. From Excessive Rainfall to Biting Winter, Here's How India Witnessed Extreme Weather Conditions This Year.
The excess rainfall received during January will actually be good for the Rabi crops that are grown during winters. RK Jenamani, senior scientist, IMD was quoted in the report saying that the precipitation in many states has been two to three times the normal so far. He said most of the rainfall in parts of the country this month is under the influence of western disturbances (WD). Jenamani added saying that this month (January 2020), there have been a higher than usual number of WDs, adding that nearly three WDs are usually observed in January.
What is a Western Disturbance (WD)
A WD is a storm originating in the Mediterranean region. It brings sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Western Disturbances are more frequent and strong in winter season.
Giving details about the forecast for the month, the official said that one WD is likely to bring precipitation to the Himalayan region this Tuesday being the fifth one and there are predictions of three more WDs that are likely by the end of this month, taking the total number to eight.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 20, 2020 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).