SHILLONG, Oct 23: Despite their reputation as some of the wettest places on Earth, Meghalaya’s iconic Mawsynram and Sohra recorded lower-than-normal rainfall during this year’s monsoon season. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mawsynram received 9,138.0 mm of rainfall from June to September, while Sohra recorded 7,303.7 mm.
Though these figures may appear substantial, they are notably below the long-term averages these locations typically experience, raising concerns about shifting weather patterns and the possible long-term effects of climate change. The receding monsoon in Meghalaya is not an isolated event, as several regions across India have also observed erratic rainfall patterns this year.
Cyclone Dana brings rains
The IMD has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in parts of Meghalaya over the next two days due to the impact of Cyclone Dana, which has intensified over the Bay of Bengal. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on the night of Thursday, bringing with it widespread rains and strong winds across several regions, including the Northeast.
Meghalaya, along with Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall at many places, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the next three days.
Isolated heavy rainfall has been forecast for Wednesday and Thursday of Meghalaya, which could lead to water logging and localised flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in the southern parts of the state.
Cyclone Dana, which originated as a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal, has now strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm.
While the cyclone is primarily expected to affect Odisha and West Bengal, the peripheral impact on Meghalaya may bring sporadic heavy downpours, raising concerns over landslides and damage to crops, particularly in rural areas that are prone to such disasters.
