Monsoon normal all over country

India gets 80 per cent of its rainfall from the southwest monsoon.

Normal is defined as rainfall within a two-way 10 per cent band of the long term average.

The IMD said the rainfall in June and July was excess to normal in 29 of the country8217;s 35 meteorological sub-divisions.

quot;During the second half of the monsoon season, the rainfall over the country is expected to be normal as per IMD8217;s long range forecast,quot; the statement said.

The IMD in May forecast a twelfth consecutive normal monsoon year for the country.

quot;8230;This year the rainfall distribution is well comparable with the best years in the last decade,quot; it said.

Monsoon rains set in over southern Kerala state on June 1, the normal date and covered parts of the southern, western and northern states by June 9. After a weak phase, it revived on June 23 and advanced onto the remaining parts of the country.

quot;The monsoon covered the entire country by July 2, about a fortnight earlier than the normal date,quot; the statement said.

It said states affected by a severe drought last year, including Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana had received good rainfall this year.

quot;Though there was a fortnight8217;s delay in onset of monsoon over Gujarat, rainfall activity was good after the onset,quot; the IMD said.