The overstaying monsoon this year in Delhi that started early on June 16 is the longest rainy season of 114 days. The previous record was of 111 days in 1956.
Moreover, the record spell has confused Met department, which is unable to predict an exact date of its departure from the Capital. Met department's latest prediction for the retreat of monsoon was October 13, which is now extended by three days. However, the weatherman had first set September 21 as the date for withdrawal of monsoon from the Capital.
“A new system has formed over Port Blair which will make a move from there to Odisha then to Delhi and will cover north-western part of India. Hence, monsoon will not exit on October 13, as was predicted earlier. But it may get over by October 16. This system that forms over oceanic areas is one of the most active among others that occurred this season,” said a senior Met official, adding that the last spell of rains may be seen on October 11-12.
The duration of the south westerly monsoon this time has surpassed the previously record of longest rainy season of 1956. “This monsoon clearly has had the longest stay in the Capital ever since the Indian Meteorological Department began maintaining records in 1941. The next one was in 1956 when it lasted for 111 days. The average existence of the monsoon over Delhi is only for 85 days,” said the Met official.
Between June 1 and September 30, the city received 875.8mm rainfall which is 35 mm more than normal for the period. The annual normal rainfall in Delhi is 780 mm. “The striking feature of this monsoon is intensity of rain. July had witnessed the highest number of rainy days which stood at 10 days, followed by August which had nine wet days,” said a senior Met official.
This year monsoon touched the country nearly a month ahead of its usual schedule. In Delhi, it came 15 days before the predicted average date, the Met official added.