G N G GROUP

Dehradun: Despite a decent rain spell last week, Uttarakhand has recorded a 62 per cent rain deficit so far in June, which is the first month of the four month long monsoon season. This after the state saw a 30 per cent rain deficit in the pre-monsoon season (April to May), with a staggering 96 per cent deficit in March, 78 per cent shortfall in April and 53 per cent excess rain in May.
Uttarakhand received 46.9 mm rainfall against expected 122.9 mm in the first 24 days of June.
In fact, all 13 districts received less than normal rainfall, with Haridwar recording a maximum deficit of 98 per cent, followed by Udham Singh Nagar (87 per cent), Pauri Garhwal (83 per cent), Nainital (81 per cent), Almora (73 per cent) and Dehradun (77 per cent).
"Dry weather prevailed in the first fortnight of June, leading to rain deficiency. A rain spell between June 17 and 19 help in reducing the rain shortfall, but it wasn't enough," said Bikram Singh, director, regional meterological centre.
Meanwhile, the Met centre has predicted a rise in rainfall across the state from June 26 onwards, with intense spells likely at isolated places in the last week of the month. A yellow alert has been issued at some places between June 26 and 28. On June 26, thunderstorms, lightning and intense showers are likely to occur at isolated places in the hills of Kumaon. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Nainital, Champawat, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts on June 27 and 28, according to the regional meteorological centre.