Monsoon to be normal, Met Department predicts very less probability of drought
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast a normal monsoon for India this year. The department has said that there is 'very less probability' of deficient rains.
Monsoon will be 97 per cent of long period average, which is normal for the season. There is 'very less probability' of deficient monsoon," IMD DG KG Ramesh said on Monday.
The average, or normal, rainfall in the country is defined between 96 and 104 per cent of a 50-year average for the entire four-month monsoon season. If it is normal, the country will record 887 mm for the four-month period from June to September.
The announcement by the IMD came a few days after private weather agency Skymet gave a similar forecast.
The forecaster said there were 5 per cent chances of excess rainfall that is more than 110 per cent of long-period average (LPA).
"The onset month of June and the withdrawal month of September give a promising picture in terms of good countrywide rainfall distribution," Skymet said in its report.
Normal rainfall in the country is critical for rice, cane, corn, cotton and soybean cultivation.
(With inputs from agencies)
