India to see 90% of long period average rainfall this monsoon: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reduced its forecast for monsoon rainfall to 90% from 92% in April. This is IMD’s lowest ever forecast as Monsoon approaches.

There is a 60% chance of the monsoon rainfall being below 90%, which the IMD classifies as ‘deficient’. IMD has no criteria for declaring ‘drought’ and only states whether rainfall will be ‘inadequate’.

IMD Director General M. Mohapatra said that rainfall is likely to be below normal in northwestern, central and southern India.

He added that Day and Night temperatures will be “on the high side”.

IMD said the monsoon, which is expected to arrive in Kerala on May 26, is likely to occur in the first week of June.

M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said that the monsoon reached the southern seas of India but unfortunately did not reach the land.