Guwahati: India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicted normal to above-normal rainfall in parts of northeast between June and Sept, boosting hopes for farmers preparing for winter paddy cultivation after Rongali Bihu.The region has already received substantial pre-monsoon rainfall since March 1. Last year, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh faced rainfall deficits that severely affected agriculture.In its forecast for southwest monsoon rainfall during June to Sept, IMD said, “Below-normal seasonal rainfall is most likely over many parts of the country, except some areas in the northeast, northwest and south peninsular India, where normal to above-normal rainfall is likely.”“Though normal to above-normal rainfall is a blessing for farmers, the actual distribution of rainfall during the monsoon months is important, as uniform distribution of rain throughout the monsoon months is required for good yield,” said Prof Rajib Lochan Deka of Assam Agricultural University.However, he cautioned that a forecast of above-normal rainfall also points to the possibility of floods.From March 1 to April 13, all seven northeastern states received normal to large excess rainfall. IMD data shows that during this period, Assam and Nagaland recorded “large excess” rainfall, while Meghalaya recorded “excess” rainfall. The remaining states in the region saw rainfall within the normal range during the ongoing pre-monsoon season, which continues until the end of May.The actual rainfall recorded between March 1 and April 13 was: 266.2 mm in Arunachal, 246.6 mm in Assam, 220.7 mm in Meghalaya, 157.9 mm in Nagaland, 123.7 mm in Manipur, 137.4 mm in Mizoram and 131.4 mm in Tripura.In some parts of Assam, thunderstorms may dampen the Rongali Bihu spirit. IMD has warned that thunderstorm and lightning, with gusty winds reaching up to 40-50 kmph, are very likely to occur at isolated places on Tuesday.
