The monsoon, which typically runs from June to September, is considered normal when total rainfall is between 96% and 104% of the national average of just over 88cm.
The excess rainfall is likely to damage crops such as soybean, onion, urad and moong in major production states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
The rainfall, decrease in temperatures and cooling of the atmosphere coupled with progression towards winter may environmentally favour the spread of the virus.
A good monsoon assumes greater significance this year as millions have lost livelihoods because of the stringent lockdown imposed to stem the coronavirus.
The June-September rains is critical to Indian agriculture as it not only waters some fields directly, but also fills reservoirs that help irrigate winter-sown crops.
Lack of infrastructure, complex nature of weather, and poor coordination make forecasting weather a tough proposition, not only in India but across the world.
Mumbai's civic administration declared a holiday on Tuesday as it recorded the second-heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to delays in trains and flights.
The El Nino weather pattern will likely impact India's June-September monsoon, which constitutes more than 70% of the annual rainfall, Skymet Weather Services has forecast.
MoSPI proposes to remove closed factories from IIP sample, aiming for truer picture of India’s industrial health in upcoming 2022–23 base series. Plan open to public feedback until 25 November.
Bihar is blessed with a land more fertile for revolutions than any in India. Why has it fallen so far behind then? Constant obsession with politics is at the root of its destruction.
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