Rainfall activity improving: IMD

NEW DELHI: The southwest monsoon was 12 per cent in deficit in August after heavy rainfall in the first two months of the season but total rainfall since June 1 remains within the normal range.

August rainfall was 228.8 mm, which is about 12 per cent below the normal level of 261.3 mm in August. Weather forecasters said that the monsoon has regained momentum.

"Just last week, there was a 20 per cent deficit in normal rainfall this month. Now it has come to 12 per cent (deficit). So we can say that the rainfall activity is improving," an official at the India Meteorology Department said.

"There will be a slight weakening of monsoon showers in Central India, but it will improve over northeast India and the south peninsular region over the next few days," the official added.

The weather office is positive of a better September, which is the last month of the monsoon season in the country. In the past few days, heavy monsoon showers lashed parts of peninsular India while torrential rain brought Mumbai to a standstill. Gujarat also received heavy showers, while many areas in Bihar were flooded. Analysts said the area under cultivation, which is slightly lower than last year, was not encouraging.

"The final agricultural output figures will largely be dictated by this," said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at CARE Ratings.

Monsoon rainfall last month has been erratic in most parts of the country, with below normal spells continuing through August.

As per its schedule, monsoon should have started withdrawing from September 1, but with more rainfall predicted in bits and parts over the country, there is no sign of its withdrawal so far.

"At least for the next one week, the monsoon will not withdraw. It should be good for the overall seasonal rainfall as it will add to its quantum" the official added.