Below-normal rains in India this monsoon, says Skymet Weather

New Delhi, April 10

After above-normal rains for four consecutive seasons, India is likely to witness below-normal monsoon this year, according to private forecaster Skymet Weather.

IMD forecast today worry for farmers

40% chance of sub-normal rains | 25% normal | 15% of above-normal

It predicted the monsoon to be around 94 per cent (with error margin of 5 per cent) of the long-period average (LPA) of 868.6 mm for the four-month period from June to September. The forecast is being attributed to an increased chance of El Nino, which brings dry weather. It has come as a concern for the farm sector, which relies heavily on the monsoon rains.

Skymet said there was a 40 per cent chance of below-normal, 25 per cent of normal, 15 per cent of above-normal and zero per cent chance of excess rainfall. The Indian Meteorological Department refused to comment on the Skymet forecast. RK Jenamani, a senior IMD scientist, said the IMD would release its forecast tomorrow.