Bengaluru: After bountiful May, 35% rain deficit in June

BENGALURU: While 138% excess rainfall was recorded in Bengaluru in May, June witnessed a 35% deficit, according to data from India Meteorological Department (IMD). In fact, April too saw a 54.3% rain deficit.

The fluctuating rain in 2023 is in sharp contrast to last year. April, May and June 2023 recorded 33% less rainfall than the corresponding months last year.

"Fluctuating rainfall is seen in many years - while some months get higher than usual, others get less rain. May is characterised by thunderstorm activity, but the above-average rainfall indicates that global warming is taking place. The period from March to May is cyclonic season. So far this year, we have had fewer cyclonic storms. Global warming has been causing frequent and intense thunderstorms and fewer but intense cyclonic storms. For example, Cyclone Biparjoy was so extreme that it influenced monsoon currents as well," explained A Prasad, scientist at IMD.

The normal rainfall for April, May, and June is 61.7mm, 128.7mm, and 110.3mm, respectively. As per IMD data, the city recorded 28.2mm, 305.4mm, and 72.3mm during the three months, respectively. Because of the excess rainfall in May, calculations show that April, May and June collectively saw 34.9% excess rainfall this year compared to the normal quantum, but April and June fell short by 54.3% and 34.5%. The normal range has been formulated with the help of 30-year-old data (1991-2020) for the city.

Excess rainfall in May is not a positive development. "Generally, May rainfall in Bengaluru is higher than June rainfall because of the force of pre-monsoon showers. One of the factors for increased rainfall over the years is global warming. Because of this, frequency and intensity of thunderstorms are more. We expect a similar pattern for rainfall in May next year too if the average temperature exceeds the normal," Prasad said.

TOI had earlier reported that this year, Bengalureans experienced the wettest month of May since 1957.



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