Nagpur: Even though India received 13% less rainfall than normal during the first two months of the monsoon, Central India, including Vidarbha, emerged as one of the wettest regions in July and is likely to continue receiving normal to above-normal rainfall during August and September.India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Central India recorded 33% more rainfall than normal in July, mainly due to frequent low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal. These systems brought widespread rain to states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.For the remaining monsoon season, IMD has forecast below-normal rainfall for the country as a whole. However, parts of Central India, including Vidarbha, are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during August and September. This is expected to support agriculture and improve water availability in the region.In contrast, East and Northeast India remained the worst-hit region in July with 29% below-normal rainfall, while South Peninsular India also recorded a 25% rainfall deficit.July also witnessed several extreme weather events across the country, with 918 very heavy rainfall events and 269 extremely heavy rainfall events. Lightning claimed 87 lives, while floods and heavy rains caused another 84 deaths in different states.The IMD said four low-pressure systems formed over the Bay of Bengal during July, almost double the usual activity, leading to widespread rainfall over Central India. Although El Nino is expected to strengthen in the coming months, weather systems over the Bay are likely to continue influencing rainfall distribution.For August, IMD expects rainfall over the country to remain below normal overall. However, Central India, including Vidarbha, is among the few regions where rainfall is likely to remain close to or above normal, offering some relief despite the weak national monsoon outlook.
