Monsoon improving; normal rainfall likely in August: IMD

NEW DELHI: In a forecast that would bring cheer to vast swathes of the country, weather officials have said that the momentum picked up by Southwest Monsoon in July is likely to continue in August with normal rainfall expected next month.

While July is likely to receive rainfall of 93 per cent of the Long Range Forecast (LPA), "rainfall of 96 per cent of the LPA" is expected in August," said Shailesh Nayak, Secretary in the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES).

He, however, added that they would "also have to see the rainfall in the next few days of the month". The MeT department has already said that India would experience a deficit monsoon this year.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, 96-104 per cent of the LPA means normal rainfall whereas 90-96 makes for below normal monsoon showers.

Monsoon rainfall was deficient in June, but has picked up in July.

"The rainfall looks good for the next three weeks till August 15. There is formation of a depression which will bring good rainfall," Nayak said.

He added that rainfall may continue to be deficient in north-west India. The MeT department had yesterday said that the parts of Kutch and Saurashtra which come fall in north- west India have seen vigorous monsoon in the last few days.