Skymet cuts forecast of rainfall, raises possibility of drought

Rain in range of 96-104% of average, called LPA in technical jargon, is considered normal

Private weather forecaster Skymet today lowered its forecast for the monsoon rain to 91% of average rainfall of last 50 years against earlier projection of 94%, both considered sub-normal.

Skymet cut chances of normal rain from 34% to 10%. Rain in the range of 96-104% of the average, called long period average (LPA) in technical jargon, is considered normal.

The forecaster also raised the probability of drought across the country to 60% as against its earlier estimation of 25%.

The worst chance of drought is expected to be felt in the northwest India at 80%, followed by central India at 75% and south at 50%.

Monsoon remains in India from June to September, of which August is expected to be the best, according to Skymet.

India received scantiest of rainfall in June in five years. The rainfall was 43% below normal, making it the worst first month since 2009 and one of the worst in 100 years. However, rain revived in the last couple of days in many parts of the country.