August ended with 23 per cent more rainfall than normal, recording the second highest rainfall for the month in 14 years in the city.
According to the local Meteorological Department, August recorded 351.6 mm rainfall, which falls in the “excess” category, against the normal 284.8 mm. The month saw 270.2 mm rainfall last year, 159.1 mm in 2022 and 168.3 mm in 2021. A record 441.3 mm rainfall was recorded in 2020, which is the highest rain for the month since 2011 when the department started maintaining the weather data here.
“Weather conditions had been favourable for rain this month. There had been several active Western Disturbances in Chandigarh, which led to a good rainfall,” said MeT Director Surender Paul while talking to Chandigarh Tribune.
Unlike June and July, which saw deficient rainfall, the department has predicted normal rainfall for September. “A wet spell is expected to start from September 2. After that rainy conditions are again likely to return in the second week. Overall, September is expected to witness a normal rainfall,” he added.
June was the driest month in 12 years and the hottest in more than 14 years with only 11.9 mm rainfall, which is 92 per cent less than the normal rainfall of 155.5 mm for the month. So far, 612.4 mm rainfall has been recorded in three monsoon months, which is 13.6 per cent less than normal.