Vidarbha monsoon falters, Nagpur rainfall 33% below normal, mercury tops 34C

The monsoon has disappointed this year in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region. Several districts, including Nagpur, have recorded rainfall well below normal. According to the latest figures, Nagpur district should normally have received 904 mm of rain by now, but has recorded only 603 mm so far, a shortfall of 33 percent.

There is some relief in sight, however. The weather department's forecast suggests rainfall could pick up in Vidarbha by September 26, with heavy rain expected in several places during this period. Yellow and orange alerts have been issued for different parts of Vidarbha in view of this.

On Wednesday, clouds were completely absent over Nagpur, which had a direct effect on temperatures. The city's maximum temperature was recorded at 34.2 degrees Celsius, unchanged from Tuesday. The minimum temperature stood at 24.0 degrees Celsius, up 1.6 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, meaning night temperatures are also rising in the absence of rain.

Farmers and water sources are bearing the brunt of the weak monsoon. Because of the 33 percent shortfall in rainfall, water levels in dams and reservoirs have fallen to worrying levels. A shortage of water for irrigating kharif crops has emerged, raising fears that yields could be affected in the coming days. If good rainfall does not occur in the days ahead, the crisis over drinking water and irrigation in villages could deepen further.

Administration and weather department teams are continuously monitoring the situation. It is hoped that the expected heavy rainfall by September 26 will boost the inflow of water into dams and reservoirs. In view of the heavy rain alert, people living in low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert to avoid situations of sudden flooding.