BHUBANESWAR: South west monsoon might have covered the whole of Odisha but the rains have made a vanishing act.
After progressing into the State in a phased manner, the showers have dried up so much so that the cumulative rainfall during the season now stands at a deficit of 21 per cent. Against the normal rainfall of 101 mm between June 1 and June 18, the State has received only 80 mm rainfall so far.
As a result, at least 15 districts of the State have recorded deficit rainfall. Balangir has recorded the highest deficit of 62 per cent while Balasore reported 52 per cent deficiency. Similarly, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh and Kalahandi have measured 53 per cent, 42 per cent and 40 per cent shortfall in the rains.
The weather office said there is no immediate change expected in the rainfall pattern for a few days. Under impact of the monsoon circulation or trough, rainfall might occur but only over limited pockets of the State.
‘’There is no likelihood of any sea-based system to form which generally activates the monsoon and results in widespread showers. There is no prediction of any such system forming anytime soon. However, we expect stronger showers soon under impact of monsoon currents,’’ said sources in India Meteorological Department.
The national forecaster’s outlook says rainfall for next two days will be scattered over the State but it may get intense after June 20. In some parts, heavy rains may occur. However, in absence of any system, the rains will depend on progress of the monsoon branch over western Indian coast.
The weather office also said there are chances that the monsoon will get into more parts of the State during next two to three days.
The rains are necessary for the farming community which has already started sowing activities. If heavy showers come in, transplantation work can get a boost.