KOLHAPUR: The four districts of western Maharashtra — Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur — have received more than their share of normal rainfall in June.
Last year, Satara and Kolhapur districts were rain deficient. This time, both the districts have received excess rainfall, 136.3% and 109.9% respectively for Satara and Kolhapur districts.
Solapur district has received 135.2 mm rainfall this year, which is 131.9% of the normal rainfall. Last year, however, the rainfall for June in Solapur district was 142.2% of the normal rainfall.
So far, Kolhapur district has received 398.7 mm, Satara 264.5 mm, Sangli 202.7 mm and Solapur 135.2 mm average rainfall for June. Experts said that the southwest monsoon advanced rapidly after its arrival in Kerala. The monsoon progress was such that it overtook the annual expected timelines.
Weather expert Shantanu Patil said, “Monsoon started with a good note in Maharashtra. So far, 16 districts have noted excess rainfall, while 11 had normal rainfall. Two districts have reported more than excess rainfall. The excess rainfall in the region is due to constant presence of low pressure conditions in the seas along the west coast.”
The rainy days saw moderate to heavy rainfall due to strong wind flow. This causes rapid insurgence of moisture and thereby cloud formation.
The region experienced above normal rains despite the fact that there were less rainy days. Since June 22, the districts have not received much rainfall. The experts claim the rapid movement of the monsoon has caused a break. This is expected till first week of July.
“The monsoon season is expected to experience normal rainfall. Our region experiences most rainfall in July and August. This second leg of the monsoon is expected to kick-start from next week,” said Patil.
As compared to last year, a few circles from all four districts, especially Sangli and Solapur, reported deficient rainfall.
