Uttar Pradesh is known for climate extremes: temperatures can fluctuate from freezing to nearly 50°C in various parts of the state, and dust storms, lightning strikes, droughts and floods are all common, thanks to the state’s topography and its location.
Both subdivisions in UP experienced deficient pre-monsoon rainfall this year. While East UP region was deficient by 68%, West UP got 37% deficient rainfall until May 29, 2019. In 2018, East UP had got 6% excess rain while West UP had got 9% deficit rain in the pre-monsoon season.
The pre-monsoon season is the period from March 1 to May 31.
From June 1 to June 6, Uttar Pradesh got 0.7mm rain against the normal of 7.5mm, i.e. a deficit of 91%. The Indian monsoon officially lasts from June 1 to September 30th every year, so any rain during this period is counted as monsoon rainfall.
Long-term rainfall trends indicate that the monsoon reaches the southern ends of Uttar Pradesh around June 15-20. Last year, i.e. 2018, the monsoon arrived in Uttar Pradesh on June 27 according to IMD’s records. Over the last 5 years, the onset date in the state has ranged from June 21-July 3.
According to The Weather Channel’s monsoon forecast issued on May 31, there is a 80-90% chance of below-normal rainfall in parts of western UP in June, and 70-80% chance of below-normal rain in other parts of the state the same month. Estimates suggest that quantitatively, the rainfall in June could be 5-10% deficient compared to the historical average for the state.
The Southwest monsoon gives India 80% of its annual rainfall every year. It is also critical for the country’s economy, since its strength will determine the outcome of kharif (summer) crops sown across India.
This year, the southwest monsoon is expected to enter India through Kerala on Saturday, June 8, according to the India Meteorological Department. We will track its movement and its progress towards Uttar Pradesh. Stay tuned to The Weather Channel for rain updates from your city.
