Monsoon withdraws but more rain in offing

BHUBANESWAR: The Southwest Monsoon withdrew from the whole State on Tuesday leaving behind a 7.4 per cent rainfall shortfall in Odisha. As many as 99 blocks have received deficit rainfall above 19 pc.
The State received 1117.7 mm during the monsoon period against the long period of 1207.2 mm. Gajapati district received 28.2 pc excess rain while 21 other districts received normal rainfall which is defined as a 19 pc deviation on either side.

However, eight districts including Angul, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Balangir, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Jajpur received a rainfall deficit of 19 pc. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC)’s office said, State received 17.4 pc and 19.5 pc deficit rainfall in August and September respectively while there was surplus rainfall of 41.4 pc till October 17.

As many as 51 blocks have received surplus rainfall while 164 received normal showers. The three blocks which experienced scanty rainfall include Odapada (63 pc), Hatadihi (61.8 pc) and Belapada (61.1 pc).  During monsoon period, there were 55 rainy days having rainfall of more than 2.5 mm per day against the normal 57 rainy days.

Meanwhile, the weather office said, the well-marked low pressure over central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal is very likely to concentrate into a depression during the next 24 hours.
Subsequently, it will move north-westwards reaching north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coast by October 19. It is expected to induce rain from October 19 onwards.