Retreating monsoon brings scanty rain to Marathwada

Aurangabad: Parts of Marathwada received scanty showers during the last 36 hours helping the rainfall deficient region.

The India Meteorological Department has predicted cloudy skies with few spells of rain for the next 24 hours to 48 hours.

Many parts of Aurangabad and the outskirts have received intermittent drizzle since Friday night.

Isolated places including Nanded district received heavy rainfall.

As per the official data, Marathwada comprising eight districts has received 644.4 mm rainfall from June till Saturday morning. It accounts for 85.1% of the normal expected rainfall.

Aurangabad district has received 660.7 mm rainfall since June, with 101% of normal rainfall. While Aurangabad district has overcome the rainfall deficiency, the other seven districts still show rain deficit.

Among seven districts, Osmanabad shows 31% rainfall deficiency (the highest), followed by Latur (26%), Beed (22%), Parbhani (19%), Hingoli (12%), Nanded and Jalna (7% each).

The State Revenue Department considers the rainfall season for the year from June to October. The rainfall data compiled forms the basis for different policy makings lwater release from major dams and declaration of drought in the case of highly deficient Monsoon .

The overcast conditions brought down the mercury level in the city. At 28.5 degree celsius, the maximum temperature in the city was below normal by three units on Saturday, as per the IMD.

Met department authorities said low-pressure belt formed over Arabian sea was responsible for the current rainfall in parts of Maharashtra. “The chances of rainfall is likely for at least next 24-hours. The skies might remain cloudy with occasional spells of rainfall,” authorities said.