What's happening to the monsoon?

N. Gopal Raj

Researchers are noticing changes in the established patterns of monsoon rainfall.

still Hopeful: The contribution of July rainfall to the annual rainfall showed a marked decline.

Last year, heavy rains in southern India led to the south-west monsoon ending with above-average nationwide rainfall. In striking contrast, this year large parts of the south as well as Maharashtra and Gujarat are suffering a drought. While June ended with surplus rains for the country as a whole, poor rains in July have pushed the national average into a deficit.