Dehradun: Uttarakhand is experiencing its driest Oct-Nov period in the last five years, with the regional meteorological centre predicting no rain for the remainder of this month.
The data shows the state experienced a 90% rainfall deficit since Oct, with little to no significant rainfall in the post-monsoon season, especially in Oct, a month that typically sees substantial showers due to the lingering effects of the monsoon.
In comparison, Oct 2020 remained mostly dry but rains in Nov compensated for the deficit. The following year, 2021, saw the highest-ever Oct rainfall, with a 476% surplus due to torrential downpours in the Kumaon region. Similarly, October 2022 also witnessed over 250% excess rainfall. In contrast, Oct 2023 recorded a deficit of 35%, followed by a 66% shortfall in Nov, as per the met centre.
Bikram Singh, director of the regional meteorological centre, said, “Extreme climate variability is driving this pattern, where some years see heavy rainfall during the post-monsoon season, while others experience little to none. Nov is also shaping up to be almost dry.”
Talking about the implications, Singh said that the lack of rain during the post-monsoon season could affect the sowing of rabi crops, particularly in rainfed areas without irrigation facilities. “Lack of soil moisture will also have an adverse impact on the horticulture sector as well,” he added.
Experts are also concerned about the impact on glaciers. Ashutosh Tiwari, scientist at the Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora, said, “The absence of rain and snow in Nov, coupled with rising temperatures, could accelerate glacier melting further.”
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