Meteorology experts have seen a major shift in the rainfall pattern during the south-west monsoon season (June to September) with states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa showing a decline in rainfall over the years. | |
| According to a study carried out by the scientists at the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD), the contribution of July rainfall to the overall monsoon exhibited a significant decreasing trend, while June and August exhibited a significant increasing trend. |
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| "The decline in the contribution of July rainfall was particularly sharp in central and west peninsular India, especially significant in south interior and north interior Karnataka, Konkan and Goa, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and east Madhya Pradesh," said K V Singh, IMD director (Goa). |
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| The significant findings in the context of the global phenomenon of climate change, the southwest monsoon is very crucial considering that on an average it accounts for 74.2 per cent of the country's annual rainfall. |
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| Within the monsoon period, rainfall during July is all the more important as it has a great bearing on agricultural activity in the country. |
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| The weather bureau said that though the shifts in the rainfall pattern were significant, they could not be conclusively attributed to the global climate change. |
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| "One must remember that monsoon rainfall is known for its natural variations. Given that fact, it is very difficult to say whether the shifts are due to global climate change or not," Singh said. |
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| The mean rainfall of July is the highest at 286.5 mm, while that of June is the lowest at 163.1 mm. The mean rainfall of August and September fell in between, at 250.84 mm and 167.8 mm respectively. |
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| "With the decline in July rainfall, western states like Maharashtra and Goa are witnessing heavy rains for the last couple of weeks," the forecaster added. |
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| Under its influence, widespread rainfall activity with heavy to very heavy falls are likely to occur over madhya Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Konkan and Goa. |
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