IMD Predicts Wetter July, Sounds Flood Alert for East Central Region

Rainfall over India is likely to be above normal, exceeding 106% of the long period average in July, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday, in a forecast that should bring cheer to farmers, likely boost the rural economy, and keep inflation down.

- Jayashree Nandi

NEW DELHI:

With June rains exceeding normal by 8.9%, the July forecast means this year's rainfall from the Southwest Monsoon could meet the weather office's April estimate of being above normal. Overall June rain was 8.9% excess, with 42.2% excess over northwest India; 24.8% excess over central India; 2.7% deficiency over south peninsula and 16.9% deficiency over east and northeast India.

The long period average or LPA in July for the country, based on data from 1971 to 2020 is about 280.4 mm. "Many parts of the country are likely to experience normal to above normal rainfall. However, most parts of northeast India and many parts of east India, extreme south peninsular India and some areas of northwest India are likely to receive below normal rainfall," IMD officials said.