Adverse climatic conditions hampering Kharif crop

Visakhapatnam: Except at a few places in the state, there has been no major impact of southwest monsoon. Even though cool winds spread all over in the second week of June, this time, however, because of adverse climatic conditions, there have been no rains. Consequently, the Kharif season has been delayed beyond the normal second week of June. In view of the lack of rains, farmers are yet to complete plough works even as the month is nearing its end.

In fact, monsoon is active across the coastal region. However, due to unfavourable weather conditions in the Bay, there are no rains in the state. Normally, cool winds attract low pressure and depressions and there will be rains. The state witnessed a good spell in the second week but there have been none in the last one week.

As a result, temperatures have been increasing and people are subject to discomfort. While under normal circumstances, the maximum temperatures will be between 33 and35 degrees Celsius, this time around, Vijayawada, Amaravati and Tirupati registered 39 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

“Unless there is a low pressure/depression, there will not be any rains. Though the entry spell of southwest monsoon has registered good rains, this time in the absence of any activity in the Bay, dry spells are prevailing and they could continue for the next three to four days,’ said a scientist from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Though IMD predicts normal rainfall, scientists are saying it will, by and large, depend on low pressures and depression activities. Meanwhile, due to local climatic conditions, some areas are receiving rains due to the thunderstorms.