Amidst long-drawn event of La Nina, the winter rains were expected to be poor. However, the season remained harsher than expected and more so, the eastern states of the country. Pan India, January 2023 recorded 13% shortfall and measured 14.8mm rainfall against the normal of 17.1mm. This deficiency had earlier gone up to 60% till the 3rd week of month. Courtesy, good rains, both in the mountains and plains of North India during fag end of the month, situation recovered, albeit still inadequate in many parts.
Prior to this, December 2022 was also disappointing, as entire North India along with central and eastern parts were a total 'wash out'. Contrasting features of Dec 2022 and Jan 2023 are highlighted by poor rainfall over North in December and relatively better distribution in Jan 2023. On the other hand , South Peninsula received decent rains in December, followed by total absence in January.
Eastern parts of the country repeated poor show, both in December and January. States of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal were completely parched during both, December and January. Even, neighbouring states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha also put up a dismal show during this period.
Absence of winter rains all along the Indo Gangetic plains, eastern states and central region of East Madhya Pradesh and entire Maharashtra has troubled the farming sector. Rabi crops, dependent on seasonal rains in these areas have suffered the most. There is no likelihood of any winter rains in the next 10days or even beyond. This includes the wheat bowl states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Absence of any weather activity will drain the humidity levels. This in turn will raise the mercury levels, possibly beyond the acceptable limits and may harm Barley, Gram, Wheat, Mustard and veg crops.
