With no signs of monsoon withdrawing, as it usually does from September 1, it seems the rainfall deficit may be made up now.

A deep depression has developed over the Bay of Bengal and heavy rains are expected in many parts of the state that may just help fill the dams to its fullest capacity. According to Medha Khole, director of IMD, Pune, the withdrawal of monsoon is expected to get delayed by at least a week.

“When most parts of the country begin experiencing dry spells for consecutive five to six days, it is an indication that the monsoon has started retreating. The IMD said this condition has been observed critically in west Rajasthan, where the trend shows up from September 1. However, this year no such indication is seen even in west Rajasthan till now. In fact, it is raining heavily there,” she said.

Khole said the delay in withdrawal of monsoon could help improve the average rainfall received in September. “In August, we had 23 per cent deficient rainfall. Owing to the delay in withdrawal of monsoon, we can expect a little more than average rainfall for September,” she said.

Almost all parts of the state, including the city, ahve been receiving good rainfall for the last three days. Till 8.30 am on Saturday, Ratnagiri received 140 mm of rainfall, Mahabaleshwar and Alibaug had 50 mm rainfall and Aurangabad recorded 70 mm rainfall.

The IMD has predicted that the same conditions would prevail over the state for the next two days and the city could expect some showers during this period.

... contd.