June Rainfall 17% Below Normal Due to Dormant Weather Phenomena
IMD Predicts Dry Spell for Maharashtra as Monsoon Season Ends with Uneven Rainfall
Unfavourable Madden-Julian Oscillation phase identified as primary cause of reduced rainfall Â
June 23, 2024
Pune: Major climate patterns have caused an unexpected pause in the rainfall rhythm in June, leaving several parts of India drier than usual. The overall rainfall for the month remained 17% below normal till Saturday, according to climate experts.
The primary cause for India’s below-normal rainfall in June was identified as an unfavourable phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the Indian Ocean. This crucial weather phenomenon, which typically drives monsoon activity, remained dormant for nearly half the month, significantly impacting precipitation patterns across the country.
As of June 22, the country had received 88.2mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 106mm for this period, resulting in a 17% departure from the norm. This significant reduction in rainfall has raised concerns among meteorologists and farmers alike, as the monsoon season is crucial for agriculture and water resources in India.
Climate experts explained that the MJO’s inactivity disrupted the usual monsoon patterns, leading to reduced rainfall across several regions. The MJO is known to influence tropical weather on a global scale, and its phases can either enhance or suppress monsoon activity depending on its position and strength.
The current situation underscores the importance of monitoring and understanding large-scale climate patterns, as their variations can have profound effects on local weather conditions. Efforts to predict and mitigate the impacts of such phenomena are essential for better preparedness and response to climate variability.
The Meteorological Department continues to keep a close watch on the evolving weather patterns and is expected to provide updates and advisories to manage the impact of the reduced rainfall on agriculture and water supply systems across the affected regions.
