IMD predicts normal monsoon in August-September

India is most likely to see normal rainfall during the second half of the monsoon season (August and September) following excess precipitation in July, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

India is most likely to see normal rainfall during the second half of the monsoon season (August and September) following excess precipitation in July, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on July 31.

It said normal to above normal rainfall is very likely over east-central India, parts of the east and northeast region and most subdivisions along the Himalayas.

Below normal rainfall is predicted in most parts of peninsular India and western parts of northwest and central India, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said at a press conference here.

While India recorded 13% excess rainfall in July, east and northeast regions of the country gauged the third lowest precipitation in the month since 1901, he said.

At 258.6 mm, northwest India recorded the highest rainfall in July since 2001, Mr. Mohapatra said.

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India saw a turnaround in monsoon rains — from a 9% deficit in June to 13% excess rain in July, the IMD chief said.