New Delhi, July 31: India is expected to receive above-normal rainfall during the second half of the southwest monsoon season spanning August and September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Thursday.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in an online briefing that most parts of the country are likely to record normal rainfall in August, except for the northeast and adjoining areas of east India, where rain could remain below normal. September rainfall, he added, is expected to be above normal, boosting the overall seasonal average.
“Overall, above-normal rainfall — 106% of the long-period average (422.8 mm) — is most likely over the country during the second half of the monsoon season,” Mohapatra said.
According to IMD, normal to above-normal rainfall is likely in most regions except northeast India, adjoining eastern areas, some isolated central pockets, and southwestern peninsular regions, where below-normal rainfall is projected.
India had already received above-normal rainfall in June and July, the first half of the monsoon, which also brought flash floods in states like Himachal Pradesh. The prediction for a wetter-than-usual August and September is expected to aid agriculture and water storage, though authorities remain alert for flood risks in vulnerable regions.
