State to witness normal rainfall: Weather bureau

Mumbai: This monsoon, Mumbai suburban and Thane have recorded rainfall that is 80 per cent more than their average rainfall until July 18. In fact, Mumbai suburban received 83 per cent more rainfall in the period in comparison to the average rainfall recorded over the last 50 years, which is referred to as the ‘Long-Period Average’ (LPA). Mumbai city recorded rainfall that is 44 per cent more than the LPA.

Maharashtra’s rainfall status at districts starting from June 1 has been normal with above normal rain in a few districts, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).  The meteorological department stated that very encouraging rainfall pattern was seen, with normal to above normal rainfall and excess above normal rainfall too. “Till now, there has been normal rainfall across Maharashtra which may come across as a good news for the farmers. Only Nandurbar district in North Madhya Maharashtra had below normal rainfall,” said an IMD official.

Six districts in the state, including Thane, Mumbai suburban, Palghar, Akola, Nagpur and Washim have received excess above normal (more than 60 per cent) rainfall. According to the IMD, only four states have received excess rainfall this year — Maharashtra, Telangana, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

“Maharashtra’s rain bonus is at 41 per cent, the highest among all states,” added the official. The IMD forecast for Mumbai states that a few spells of light to moderate rain are likely to occur in the city and suburbs in the next 48 hours.