August-September monsoon rains seen at 100% of long term average: IMD

Monsoon rains in India are expected to be 100 per cent of a long-term average in August and September, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday, making up for a shortfall in the first two months of the season that began in June.

Crop-nourishing monsoon rains are expected to be 99% of the long-term average in August, the IMD said in a statement.

The IMD defines average, or normal, rainfall as between 96% and 104% of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres for the entire four-month season beginning June.