Monsoon slacks off, surplus wiped off
 "Monsoon slacks off, surplus wiped off")
Southwest monsoon slacked off on its good run so far. The rains during the week were 28 per cent below normal, wiping off the seasonal surplus.
Monsoon from June 1 to August 17 was 606.2 millimetres, which was only normal.
Till last week, rainfall was three per cent above normal. Dry weather over central and southern peninsular India seems to have offset excess rains.
Over southern peninsular India, rains are expected to increase from August 29.
In eastern and north-eastern parts, too, rains are expected to rise from August 29. "Monsoon has entered into a lull phase but it might be broken by the end of August," a meteorological department official said.
The water levels in 91-odd reservoirs also improved during the week as levels were estimated at 61 per cent of their full capacity. Last week, water in the reservoirs was around 54 per cent of their capacity.
Sowing of kharif crops, meanwhile, entered its last leg and the sowing area covered was 6.5 per cent more than the same period last year. Kharif is autumn crop sown at the beginning of summer rains.
Monsoon from June 1 to August 17 was 606.2 millimetres, which was only normal.
Till last week, rainfall was three per cent above normal. Dry weather over central and southern peninsular India seems to have offset excess rains.
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However, the meteorological department, in its latest weekly forecast, said wet weather was expected to resume from August 29, with increase in rainfall over north-west India.
Over southern peninsular India, rains are expected to increase from August 29.
In eastern and north-eastern parts, too, rains are expected to rise from August 29. "Monsoon has entered into a lull phase but it might be broken by the end of August," a meteorological department official said.
The water levels in 91-odd reservoirs also improved during the week as levels were estimated at 61 per cent of their full capacity. Last week, water in the reservoirs was around 54 per cent of their capacity.
Sowing of kharif crops, meanwhile, entered its last leg and the sowing area covered was 6.5 per cent more than the same period last year. Kharif is autumn crop sown at the beginning of summer rains.