Monsoon likely to be above normal: India Meteorological Department

The monsoon this year is likely to be above normal and to be 106% of the average of 89 cm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday

“The monsoon will be fairly well distributed, but south-east India will get slightly less rain,” IMD Director-General Laxman Rathore said. He also not ruled out the possibility of floods in some regions.

The IMD’s observation is in line with recent forecasts by private weather forecasters.

New Delhi-based forecaster Skymet had said that India’s monsoon rainfall is expected to be ‘above average.’

According to the company, India will get 5% more rain than the normal 887 mm that it gets in the monsoon months of June, July, August and September. There was only a 15% chance of the monsoon being ‘below normal,’ defined as monsoon rains being less than 95% of the normal.

Skymet said in a statement that central India and the western coast would see ‘fairly good rains’ and the latter half of the monsoon was likely to see better rainfall than the first half. Rainfall in June is likely to be 10% deficient with a pickup expected in July and August, the most important months as far as cropping is concerned.

Responding to a question, Mr. Rathore said that the drought-hit region of Marathwada and Bundelkhand will receive “good rainfall” this year.

“By and large, there will be a fair distribution of monsoon across the country. It will be a good year. During good monsoon conditions there still remain some pockets..which is North-East India, where slightly less than normal monsoon is expected. Also the South-East part of the Peninsula like Tamil Nadu and adjoining Rayalseema districts, may get slightly less than normal rainfall,” Mr. Rathore added.

Due to poor monsoon in 2015-16 crop year (July-June), 10 states have declared drought and the Centre has sanctioned relief package of about Rs 10,000 crore to help farmers.

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Source:Thehindu