Monsoon expected to be below normal: Minister

The monsoon is expected to be below normal this year at 93 percent of the average rainfall, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh said Monday.

"Rainfall over the country as a whole for the 2014 southwest monsoon season is likely to be below normal at 93 percent of the average rainfall," he said at a press conference here.

Jitendra Singh said the region-wise seasonal rainfall too will be affected.

"Region-wise, the seasonal rainfall is likely to be 85 percent of the average over northwest India, 94 percent over central India, 93 percent over south peninsula and 99 percent over northeast India," he said.

"The monthly rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 93 percent of the average in July and 96 percent of the average during August," he said.

According to the minister, adequate measures were being taken and plans were being chalked out to deal with the situation.

"We are dealing with the issue seriously and have informed all the states," he said.

The four-month-long monsoon arrived five days late in Kerala June 6. Once the southwest monsoon sets in over Kerala, it advances northwards and covers the entire country by July 15.