IMD predicts above-normal rainfall in September

NEW DELHI: Like in August, the country is likely to experience above normal rainfall in September with heavy to very heavy precipitation expected in the northwest and surrounding areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

Most parts of the country will also record above normal temperature in September. “There is an indication of delay in monsoon retreat as multiple systems are likely to emerge which will cause heavy rainfall,” the IMD said.

The met department predicted September rainfall at 109% of the long-period average. However, below-normal rainfall is likely in some parts of extreme northwest India, south peninsula, north Bihar, northeast UP and most parts of northeast.

India received 7% above normal rainfall between June and August. Except for the east and northeast, the rest of the country received above normal rainfall in the three months. IMD said neutral conditions of El Nino and emergence of La Nina conditions are possible reasons behind the above normal rainfall. In India, El Nino is synonymous with poor monsoon whereas La Nina symbolises bountiful rain.