Indian Meteorological Department on Tuesday predicted normal southwest monsoon in 2017 when rainfall for the entire country in the whole season (June-September) would be 96% of the long term average.
According to the April forecast from the met department, there is 38% probability of the monsoon being near normal.
“The monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 96% of the long period average (LPA) with a model error of 5% on either side,” IMD director general K J Ramesh said here.
India's long period monsoon average is 88 cm, which means that the country as a whole is likely to receive 88 cm of rainfall between June and September.
India experienced two consecutive rain-deficient years in 2014 and 2015 due to El Nino, an unusual warming of the Pacific Ocean that plays havoc with the weather around the world.
The previous year was a surplus rain year. IMD makes its forecast on the basis of two sets of mathematical models. The April forecast would be upgraded in June.
Published 18 April 2017, 10:39 IST