In a relief to Indians this year, the IMD predicted an above-normal monsoon on the back of favourable La Nina conditions. The development has brought cheer to policy planners and farmers.
M Ravichandran, the Ministry of Earth Sciences secretary, told a press conference that the seasonal rainfall would be on the higher side of 'above-normal' and pegged it at 106 per cent of the long-period average (87 cm).
Extreme heat season has already begun in parts of the country, and many heat wave days are expected from April to June. This could strain power grids and result in water shortages in several areas.
A prediction of above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season is a huge relief to the nation.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director general of the IMD, said during the presser that parts of northwest, east, and northeast India are expected to receive below-normal rainfall during the season.
The IMD chief said there is a 29 per cent chance of normal rainfall, a 31 per cent chance of above-normal rainfall and a 30 per cent chance of excess precipitation during the monsoon season.
According to the IMD, rainfall between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 87 cm is considered 'normal'.
Less than 90 per cent of the long-period average rainfall is considered 'deficient, 'between 90 per cent and 95 per cent is 'below normal,' between 105 per cent and 110 per cent is 'above normal,' and more than 100 per cent is 'excess' precipitation.
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