Monsoon rains 9% below normal during the week ended July 30

Rainfall during the previous week across the country was 20% above normal, which was the best in the June-to-Sept season so far

The southwest monsoon during the week ended July 30 was nine per cent below average across India as rains took a break in the central and western regions after pounding for almost 10 days. However, officials said it won't have any impact on the momentum generated and might actually be beneficial for sowing as too much rain is also not considered good.

Rainfall during the previous week across the country was 20 per cent above normal, which was the best in the June-to-September season so far. The total monsoon deficiency for the season - between June 1 and July 31 - was estimated at 22 per cent below normal, marginally more than 2009. India suffered its earlier big drought in 2009 when the total cumulative rainfall across was around 22 per cent below normal.