Monsoon deficit at 27% of normal: Met office

A strong revival in the southwest monsoon over central, western and eastern parts has lowered the 2014 deficit to below 30 per cent of normal showers. It is 27 per cent.

According to data provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain till July 22 was 226.7 mm, 27 per cent less than normal.

IMD said if rains continued for 10-15 days, the deficit may drop to below the 2009 level of 22 per cent. The previous big drought was in 2009, also due to the El Niño effect.

According to officials, barring the Marathwada region in Maharashtra and Daman and Diu, the situation has improved in almost all parts in seven to 10 days.

Rain between 96 and 104 per cent of the long period average (LPA) is termed normal. LPA is the average rain in the country in 50 years.

According to private company Skymet Weather Services, the deficit at end- July could drop to 20 per cent. This would be better than in 2009, but won't lessen fears of a drought.

The southwest monsoon entered India in June after a four-day delay. Since then, its progress has been patchy. In June, the rain was at a 43 per cent deficit, making the month one of the driest in 100 years.