Contrary to its prediction of an above-average monsoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the first two weeks of the season (June 1 — June 14) have witnessed 22 per cent deficiency due to the delayed start and tardy progress. After a delay of a week in its onset on June 8, the progress of the monsoon has been worrisome. While on the first two days, June 8 and June 9, it recorded good rain, the downpour decreased significantly thereafter.
As per the IMD data, the country has recorded 43.6 mm of rain from June 1 to June 14 against the normal average of 55.7 mm. Out of 36 sub-divisions in the country, five pockets recorded excess rainfall and 11 pockets had normal rain. While, 14 were deficient, five were scanty, and one pocket had no rain.
The major contributors of rain during the first fortnight largely came from Peninsular India — from the coastal parts of Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, besides Sikkim, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas.
As per the earlier predictions, monsoon was to reach Bihar by June 10 and touch eastern Uttar Pradesh besides northern parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh by June 15. However, it is held up at Karwar and Gadag in Karnataka and Ongole in Andhra Pradesh.
As per the available data, while Southern peninsula has received 27 per cent of rainfall in excess, but the highest deficit of 37 per cent has been registered in Central India.
However, the experts predicted that within the next 4-5 days, conditions are expected to improve for further advancement of the monsoon into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, entire Goa, some parts of Konkan, south Madhya Maharashtra and Marathawada, remaining parts of North Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, some parts of Telangana, and in the adjoining regions.