Normal monsoon across country likely

The country is likely to witness normal monsoon this year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday.

The monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 97 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). The forecast also suggests maximum probability for normal monsoon rainfall (96-104% of LPA) and low probability for deficient rainfall during the season.

The IMD will issue the update in early June, as a part of the second stage forecast. 

ALSO READ: Robot bees to survey atmosphere of Mars, collect samples

There was "very less probability" of a deficient monsoon, IMD Director General K G Ramesh told a press conference.

The monsoon is considered normal if the average rainfall is between 96 to 104 per cent of LPA. Less than 90 per cent LPA is termed 'deficient' monsoon, and 90-96 per cent of the same is considered 'below normal'.

The four-month monsoon season provides about 70 per cent of the country's annual rainfall.

Monsoon in 2017 recorded below normal rains.