India’s 2024 Monsoon Brings Above-Normal Rainfall, Boosts Agriculture
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the 2024 southwest monsoon season brought 108% of the long period average (LPA) rainfall, marking an above-normal season. The LPA is the average rainfall recorded over a long period for a specific region and time.
This year, the rainfall surpassed the forecast of 106%, with a variation of 4% on both sides. The monsoon showed stronger-than-expected rainfall over the four-month period from June to September.
Regional Performance
Regionally, the monsoon performed well:
- Central India: 119% of its LPA
- South Peninsula: 114% of its LPA
- Northwest India: 107% of its LPA
- Northeast India: 86% of its LPA
The monsoon core zone, crucial for rain-fed agriculture, received 122% of its LPA, ensuring a positive outlook for agricultural activities.
Rainfall Distribution
Out of India’s 36 meteorological subdivisions:
- 9% experienced large excess rainfall
- 26% received excess rainfall
- 54% received normal levels of rain
- 11% faced deficient rainfall, including Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh
Monthly Rainfall
The monthly distribution of rainfall showed variations:
- June: 89% of the LPA
- July: 109% of the LPA
- August: 115% of the LPA
- September: 112% of the LPA
Monsoon Timeline
The monsoon advanced over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 19 and made landfall in Kerala on May 30, two days ahead of the normal date. It covered the entire country by July 2, slightly ahead of the typical date of July 8, and began withdrawing on September 23, six days later than usual.
IMD’s forecast for the monsoon onset over Kerala was accurate for the nineteenth consecutive year, excluding 2015, reinforcing confidence in their prediction models. This season’s timely and above-normal monsoon has raised hopes for a positive impact on India’s agriculture and overall economy.
Doubts Revealed
India Meteorological Department (IMD) -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is a government agency in India that studies the weather and makes forecasts about it. They tell us if it will rain, be sunny, or if there will be storms.
southwest monsoon -: The southwest monsoon is a seasonal wind that brings heavy rains to India from June to September. It is very important for farming because it provides water for crops.
long period average (LPA) -: The long period average (LPA) is the average amount of rainfall recorded over a long time, usually 50 years. It helps us understand if the current rainfall is more or less than usual.
Central India -: Central India is the middle part of India, which includes states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It is known for its forests and farming areas.
South Peninsula -: The South Peninsula is the southern part of India, which includes states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It is surrounded by water on three sides.
Northwest India -: Northwest India is the region in the northwestern part of India, including states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. It is known for its deserts and farming.
Northeast India -: Northeast India is the region in the northeastern part of India, including states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur. It is known for its hills and heavy rainfall.
monsoon core zone -: The monsoon core zone is the central part of India that gets the most rain during the monsoon season. It is very important for growing crops.
meteorological subdivisions -: Meteorological subdivisions are different parts of India that the IMD uses to study and report the weather. There are 36 such parts in India.
deficient rainfall -: Deficient rainfall means that an area received less rain than it usually does. This can be bad for farming and water supply.
withdraw -: When the monsoon withdraws, it means the rainy season is ending, and the rains are stopping. This usually happens around September.
