Met predicts normal monsoon this year

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the monsoon forecast was very positive news for the country. “The forecast of a normal monsoon is a very good sign,” he said,adding that good rainfall would ensure bumper crops. The country had faced a drought last year,receiving 23 per cent deficient rainfall.

IMD will update its forecast in June when it will also announce regional and monthly rainfall predictions. The current prediction is based on a statistical forecast system which uses five key indicators. The forecast in June will use six predictors,three of which would be the same as being used now.