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Journalism of Courage
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 3: India8217;s southwest monsoon rains were normal in the first half of the four-month season and are likely to be normal in the remaining period, the weather office said on Thursday.
quot;For the country as a whole, the cumulative rainfall during the period June 1 to July 31 has been normal 98 per cent of the long period average,quot; the India Meteorological Department IMD said in its mid-season review of the June-September monsoon.
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.
