This June could be the driest ever in India

NEW DELHI: With the monsoon in a tailspin and the rain deficit across the country rising to 42 per cent on Friday, this month is in line to be among the driest months of June in India since systematic record-keeping began in 1901.

Till Friday, 80.8mm rainfall had been recorded across the country since June 1, according to IMD's update. The driest June on record was in the drought year of 2009, when the June rain tally stood at 85.8mm.

With three more days to go before the month ends, the final rain count this June may just cross that record mark. However, monsoon's revival is projected to occur only around the first week of July, which means this month could figure in the worst three rain-deficit Junes seen in India.

The second driest June was in 1905, when 88.7mm rainfall was recorded. The third driest month of June, in 1926, saw 97.2mm rainfall.

In terms of monsoon's performance, the contrast with June last year could not be greater. That month received 216.3mm rainfall, 132 per cent of the long term average, and was among the eight wettest months of June on record.

On the positive side, even with a record deficit so far, this year's monsoon could yet end up near the normal range. June accounts for just 17 per cent of the total monsoon rainfall spread (June to September). The India meteorological department has predicted better rains in July and August.

And with the threat of El Nino somewhat receding, as per current observations, the outlook for the rest of the season may not be alarming, say experts.