Indian Monsoon Deficit Widens
For the monsoon period June 1st to September 14th Indian rainfall was 21% less than normal, widening from 20% for the period to September 7th.
Rains have fallen away in the north of the country, leaving the breadbasket northwest region 32% below normal and the northeast 25% deficient in rainfall this year.
As an erratic monsoon season draws to an end temperatures in northern India are forecast to hit as high as 110F tomorrow.
Winter wheat planting, which begins in October, will be more heavily dependent on irrigation this year. Unfortunately with reservoir levels only around 40-50% of capacity hydro-electric power shortages will also impact upon the country's ability to physically pump what little water it has into the fields.
Rains have fallen away in the north of the country, leaving the breadbasket northwest region 32% below normal and the northeast 25% deficient in rainfall this year.
As an erratic monsoon season draws to an end temperatures in northern India are forecast to hit as high as 110F tomorrow.
Winter wheat planting, which begins in October, will be more heavily dependent on irrigation this year. Unfortunately with reservoir levels only around 40-50% of capacity hydro-electric power shortages will also impact upon the country's ability to physically pump what little water it has into the fields.