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Annual rainfall refers to the total amount of precipitation, primarily in the form of rain, that an area receives over a year. It is typically measured in millimetres (mm) or inches. The annual rainfall is a key indicator of a region’s climate and directly influences ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human activities. Rainfall patterns are often dictated by geographical factors such as latitude, elevation, proximity to bodies of water, and atmospheric conditions, including the movement of weather systems and monsoons. Different regions can experience vastly different annual rainfall amounts—arid areas may receive only a few millimetres, while tropical rainforests can receive thousands of millimetres annually. Monitoring annual rainfall is crucial for managing water supplies, predicting agricultural yields, and planning infrastructure, especially in regions prone to floods or droughts, where variability in precipitation can have significant social and economic impacts.
The rainfall distribution across India shows significant regional variations and temporal fluctuations. The Konkan & Goa region consistently receives one of the highest rainfall amounts, averaging between 2,500-4,000mm annually, with a peak of 4,730.8mm in 2019. This reflects the strong influence of the Western Ghats and monsoon patterns on the western coastal regions. Similarly, Coastal Karnataka maintains high rainfall figures, typically ranging from 3,000-4,000mm annually, demonstrating the consistent impact of the southwestern monsoon on India’s western coast.
The northeastern regions, including Assam & Meghalaya, show relatively stable and substantial rainfall patterns, typically receiving 2,000-3,000mm annually. However, there are notable fluctuations, such as in 2022, when the region received 2,752.3mm of rainfall. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, despite being surrounded by water, show considerable variation in rainfall, ranging from a low of 1,712.4mm in 2020 to a high of 3,828.0mm in 2011, highlighting the impact of changing weather patterns on island territories.
The data reveals concerning trends in some regions. The Western and Eastern Rajasthan regions consistently receive the lowest rainfall across India, with West Rajasthan often recording less than 500mm annually. This persistent low rainfall pattern underscores the arid nature of the region and its vulnerability to drought conditions. Similarly, areas like Haryana, Delhi & Chandigarh show relatively low rainfall figures, typically ranging between 300-700mm annually, reflecting the semi-arid characteristics of these northern plains.
Kerala, known for its tropical climate, shows interesting variations in its rainfall pattern, ranging from 1,870.9mm (2016) to 3,606.3mm (2021). This variability could significantly affect the state’s agricultural and water management practices. Despite being an island territory, the Lakshadweep region shows moderate rainfall figures compared to mainland coastal areas, typically receiving between 1,000-2,000mm annually.
The data also reveals some concerning trends in traditionally rain-abundant regions. The Naga-Mani-Mizo-Tripura subdivision has shown a declining trend in recent years, dropping to as low as 975.6mm in 2020, though recovering to 1,564.6mm in 2022. This volatility in rainfall patterns could significantly affect the region’s agriculture and water security.
The central Indian regions, including Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh, show moderate but variable rainfall patterns, typically ranging between 900-1,500mm annually. These regions are crucial for India’s agricultural output, and the variations in rainfall patterns could significantly impact agricultural productivity.
A notable trend is the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events, with many regions showing greater year-to-year variations in the latter part of the study period (2015-2022). For instance, Tamil Nadu’s rainfall fluctuated dramatically from 425.6mm in 2020 to 1,379.9mm in 2021, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of rainfall patterns, possibly due to climate change impacts.
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