Rainfall in July 26% deficient, says IMD

New Delhi, July 18

Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh today reviewed the trends of the southwest monsoon at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) headquarters and urged scientists “to further focus on more accurate forecasting”.

Stating that weather forecast data analysis is a complex exercise, he asked the IMD to step up people-oriented services, particularly for the agriculture sector and disaster areas like flash floods, cyclones and rain downpours, by using apps and other such latest hi-tech options.

He also visited the satellite and radar sections and discussed the process of procurement of data on a real-time basis. IMD Director General Mrutyunja Mohapatra informed the minister that this year the monsoon rainfall was 10 per cent above normal in June, but 26 per cent deficient till date in July. The IMD has predicted “normal” rains for this year. — TNS