Nagpur: The prolonged lull in monsoon activity in August has begun to erode the gains made during July, with Nagpur’s cumulative rainfall deficit widening sharply to 21% by Aug 12, from just 7% at the end of July.Across Vidarbha, the cumulative deficit has risen to 13%, compared with just 1% at the end of July, according to rainfall data for June 1 to Aug 12. The region has received 532.1mm against the normal 611.8mm during the period.Nagpur has recorded 483mm against its normal of 610.6mm, leaving a deficit of 21%. Amravati has a 26% deficit, Akola 20%, Chandrapur 22%, Gadchiroli 18%, Wardha 13% and Washim 16%. Yavatmal is virtually normal at zero departure, while Buldhana and Gondia have retained a 10% surplus each.The deterioration is particularly evident when the figures are compared with the end-July position. Vidarbha had received 481.7mm against the normal 484.7mm by July 31, putting the subdivision at just 1% below normal. Nagpur, too, was only 7% deficient at that point, having received 454.7mm against 491.2mm.July had brought a dramatic turnaround after a weak start to the monsoon. The region witnessed several active spells during the month, culminating in intense rainfall on July 30-31 when a deep depression moved across Vidarbha. The Regional Meteorological Centre’s July report recorded heavy to very heavy rain at many places, with extremely heavy rain at isolated locations. Yavatmal recorded 222.7mm on July 31 and Ballarpur 178.3mm on July 30.The situation could improve in the coming days. The latest IMD regional forecast indicates widespread rainfall over both East and West Vidarbha from Aug 12 to 16. IMD has indicated Vidarbha is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during August and September.
