NEW DELHI
There is no possibility of a “deficient” monsoon this year and 96 per cent chances are that the rainfall would be “normal to excess”, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, news that would bring some cheer to the farmers.
The country as a whole is expected to receive good rainfall this year, barring northeastern India, which is likely to witness “below normal” rainfall.
July and August are expected to receive 107 per cent and 104 per cent of rainfall of the Long Period Average (LPA).
Releasing the second Long Range Forecast, IMD Director General Laxman Singh Rathore said there is not much difference between the initial forecast by the agency and the monsoon season (from June to September) will receive 106 per cent of rainfall of the Long Period Average, which is “above normal”.
“There are zero per cent chances of the country receiving deficient rainfall while the possibility of normal to excess rainfall is 96 per cent,” Rathore said.
Terming the rainfall in Kerala as a “pre-monsoon showers”, Rathore said southwest monsoon is expected to hit the state in the next 4-5 days.
Rathore said once the monsoon hits Kerala, its progress will be quick, especially in eastern and central India.
Several parts of the country are facing intense heat.
This monsoon season, North-West India, comprising major food-producing states like Haryana and Punjab which have witnessed deficient precipitation in the last two years, will receive 108 per cent rainfall of the LPA.
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